WHILE riding in his chariot, an Ethiopian was using his time wisely. He was reading aloud—a common practice among first-century travelers. This particular man was an official “in power under Candace queen of the Ethiopians.”a He was “over all her treasure”—in effect, he was a minister of finance. This official was reading from God’s Word in order to acquire knowledge.—Acts 8:27, 28.

Why Called a Eunuch?

Throughout the account in Acts chapter 8, the Ethiopian is referred to as a “eunuch.” However, since the Mosaic Law did not admit a castrated male into the congregation, this man was evidently not a eunuch in the literal sense. (Deuteronomy 23:1) The Greek word for “eunuch” can refer to a person in high office. Thus, the Ethiopian was an official under the queen of Ethiopia.