In the ancient world, a eunuch was a royal official. Some eunuchs had been physically altered and could not have children, while others held the title because of their role in the royal court (see 2 Kings 9:30–32; Esther 1:10; 2:3, 14–15, 21; 4:4–5).
Many Jews looked down on eunuchs. Eunuchs could not have children, so they could not pass on the covenant family line (God’s people through descendants). The law of Moses also excluded men with damaged genitals from the assembly of Israel, which was the gathered worshiping community (Deuteronomy 23:1; compare Leviticus 21:17–23).
However, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a future time when God would welcome non-Jewish people and eunuchs who were faithful to him (Isaiah 56:3–8; see also Matthew 19:12). In the new covenant, all people who have genuine faith belong to the people of God.
The eunuch traveled from Africa to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, probably for a major Jewish feast.