unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert" (Acts 8:26). There was, however, a spring and a seasonal, shallow stream along this road. The spring which bubbles out from a rock is still there today and is entitled "Philip's fountain."The Greek words "tina hudor," translated "a certain water" in Acts 8:36, can also be translated "a little water" or "some water," both of which would more accurately describe the spring or seasonal stream which the eunuch observed.

• In addition to the above, the Greek word "eis" in verse 38 "and they went down both into (eis) the water," can be translated "to" or "into," and the Greek word "ek" in verse 39, "when they were come up out of (ek) the water" can be translated "from" or "out of." Strong's Greek dictionary defines these two words as follows:


"Eis" -A primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered) of place, time, or purpose. "Eis" is translated 530 times as "to" or "unto," 11 of these in Acts 8. The same word is translated approximately the same number of times as "into"; the context determines which use is appropriate.


"Ek" -A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion proceeds); from, out (of place, time, or cause). "Ek" occurs 64 times in the Book of Acts, and is translated 59 times as "from" and only five times as "out of."

If the first (or preferred) usage of "eis" and "ek" are used, they would fit more closely with the context, and would read as follows, "And they went down both to the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up from the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip" (Acts 8:38b-39a). In other words, they both went down to the spring or small stream, and after baptism, they went from the spring or stream back up to the eunuch's chariot.

When considering all of the above, immersion is not probable - certainly not proven.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

-Acts 8:36-39

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

- Acts 9:18-19

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth.
For thou shalt be His I witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the Name of the Lord.

- Acts 22:12-16