I recently heard this skit on a cassette tape. Enjoy.
Acts 8 as Interpreted by the FDS
Just as Philip was about to baptize the eunuch, along came one of Jehovah's Witnesses with a briefcase in hand.
JW: What are you doing?
Philip: I'm going to baptize this man.
JW: Has he finished a six-month Bible study using the Society's publications?
Phillip: Well, no. We just read straight from the scroll. The eunuch had a copy of the scroll of Isaiah.
Eunuch: Yes, Philip explained it all to me.
JW: From Adam to Armageddon?
Eunuch: Arma-WHAT???
Phillip: No, I told him all about the good news of Jesus.
Eunuch: Yes, and I believe! I do!
JW: But, Philip, you know the rules. The brothers have talked to you about this in the past. You have to work within the framework of the organization. First things first – a six-month study is a must. And that is with one of the Bible aids. You know that we cannot progress along the road to life no matter how much Bible reading we do. Each study out of the latest publications is to be followed by a brief 10 or 15 minute part about the organization, to direct the person to the faithful and discreet slave with its Governing Body in Jerusalem.
Eunuch: THEN can I get baptized?
JW:You really need to get established in the door-to-door ministry before being immersed.
Eunuch: Then after THAT can I get baptized?
JW: As long as you are attending all five meetings a week, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't qualify.
Philip: But there aren't any other Christians where he lives. He will be the first one to take the good news of Christ to that territory.
JW: What territory??
Eunuch: I'm from Ethiopia. I work for the Queen – Candace. I'm the Secretary-Treasurer.
JW: Oh, no! And you were about to BAPTIZE this man??? Philip, you know he has to quit his job before he can be baptized!!!
Philip: I guess that slipped my mind. He was so eager to learn the truth and entreated me to explain to him the good news about Jesus… I guess I lost my head amid all the excitement. I could feel the spirit directing me.
JW (pulling Philip aside and whispering): All right, Philip. Enough's enough. Forgetting some of the organizational procedures is one thing, but this talk about the spirit – you know Jehovah doesn't direct individuals! He's working through the slave class and them alone. He has been ever since Pentecost. We have to work with the slave and follow its direction. And another thing while I'm at it – the very reason our paths crossed this morning is because you are in MY territory. I checked out Gaza Road last week!
Philip: Okay, okay, but what about the eunuch?
JW (to eunuch): Let me get this straight. You'll agree to a six-month study of the Bible using a publication of the slave, quit your job, and move to Jerusalem so you can get to all five meetings and start going out in service?
Eunuch: Yes, yes. I'll do whatever is necessary to become a Christian and get life. Then, THEN, can I get baptized?
JW: Of course! Just tell the elders of your intentions. After you answer the 80 questions correctly, you can get baptized.
Eunuch (to Philip): We'll come right back here, and you can baptize me in this large body of water.
Philip (dejectedly): Sorry, we're not really supposed to do that. We'll have to wait until the next circuit assembly... it's 6 months away.