What did the Ethiopian eunuch actually believe that saved him?
The Ethiopian eunuch experienced salvation after believing that Christ was indeed the Messiah, the King, and everything associated with His first advent. His faith was not in the religion he had come from, but in that truth, and he went on his way rejoicing.
Les explains that the eunuch had been coming back from Jerusalem steeped in religion and still wrapped in his sin. But after believing that Christ was indeed the Messiah, the King, and everything associated with that first advent, he experienced salvation. He then went on his way rejoicing, even as those up in Samaria did. The context also notes that Philip was suddenly transported to Azotus, which Les suggests pictures how the 144,000 will cover the world in less than seven years during the Tribulation.
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.
More Questions
Why did the Ethiopian eunuch go on his way rejoicing after his baptism?
The Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing because he had experienced salvation, just as the Samaritan believers had rejoiced after their conversion.
How did Philip get from Gaza to Azotus after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch?
Philip did not walk or ride a camel from the Gaza road to Azotus; he was suddenly transported there by the Spirit.