Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 8:36

"And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" — Acts 8:36 (ASV)

As they went on their way.

A certain water. The expression used here does not determine whether this was a river, a brook, or a pond or standing pool. And there are no circumstances to determine that. It is well known, however, that there is no large river or very considerable stream in this vicinity. All that is intimated is that there was enough water to perform the rite of baptism, whether that was by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. It must be admitted, I think, that there might have been enough water for any of these methods.

Grotius says they came "to a fountain which was in the neighbourhood of Bethsora, in the tribe of Judah, at the twentieth milestone from Aelia (Jerusalem) to Hebron." This, however, is a tradition taken from Eusebius. The place is still shown—Pococke.

What doth hinder me, etc. This shows that he had been instructed by Philip in the nature and design of baptism. It also shows a purpose to give himself to Christ at once, to profess his name, and to be dedicated to his service.

To be baptized. On the meaning of the word baptize, see the notes on Matthew 3:6.