What is the probability that the Ethiopean eunuch mentioned in Acts of the Bible had descendents?

Question

Please think of all definitions of the word "eunuch."

What is the probability that his children who were born before he became a Christian would accept his newfound faith?

What is the probability that his children who were born after he became a Christian would become Christians as well?

Answer 1

A pointless question, but interesting.
I can't compute the probability, there are too many variables.
Not all eunuchs were unable to reproduce. One probability, was he fixed or not.
Not all men marry or have children. Another probability.
Not all children survive. Another probability.
Anyway those are just some that seem obvious enough to make trying to answer your question improbable, at least for me.

But if you find and answer, please post it. It wouldn't mean or change anything but it would be kinda neat to be able to throw that around at a bible study.

Answer 2

He could have slept with a whore before the life changing event. so P(eunuch had descendants) <> 0. But we may need to delve into the definition of a eunuch a little bit further. Are all eunuchs "verifiable" virgins before their bits ate chopped off? In that case the probability is reduced to probability he had sex, it was undetected, the sex with his woman was at the right time of the month, and the baby came out of the womb alive.

But maybe he was instead an older man, with wife and kids, and his job situation was getting pretty bleak. So off he goes to the royal palace, and they hire him.. but there's a small price to pay for entry...

Answer 3

P = 0, since eunuchs can't reproduce