THE BOOK OF ACTS: Philip, the evangelist

            The final command Jesus gave to his followers was to preach the gospel throughout the known world, but they seemed reluctant to migrate from Jerusalem. It took intense persecution to move them out into Judea and Samaria, where the Lord had instructed them all to go. 

            Philip is a good example to all believers who are willing to wholeheartedly obey.

He was one of the men charged with handling food distribution to the poor and elderly among them. Then he suddenly left for Samaria. Because of Israel’s checkered past with Samaria, it was likely the last place a Jew would want to go preach, but that is exactly where Philip headed. The Samaritans responded favorably, and large numbers were added to the kingdom at that time. 

            During the height of his ministerial success, the Spirit led Philip out into the desert for what I refer to as a “divine appointment”. He was to meet a foreigner, a eunuch from Ethiopia, who happened to be reading Isaiah 53 during his travels. He needed someone to explain the meaning of the statement, “by his stripes we are healed”. Philip boarded the Ethiopian’s carriage and explained the text. The foreigner understood and immediately sought to be baptized. So when they came to some water, the carriage was stopped, and Philip went about baptizing him. “When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:19)

            Next Philip ended up in Caesarea where he eventually became a host to the former persecutor of Christians, Saul of Tarsus. It’s ironic that Philip should be linked to the individual who was largely responsible for his leaving Jerusalem to begin with, but that’s what happened. Philip was the one who began the conversion of Gentiles, which was continued throughout the entirety of the Roman Empire by the Apostle Paul.

            It’s important for current day believers to not only KNOW scripture but understand WHAT IT MEANS. The gospel is universal Good News, “for EVERYONE has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) Since everyone in creation has sinned, everyone needs a savior and there is only ONE savior, Jesus Christ. 

            Up next is a look at Cornelius, who was a gentile Roman army officer. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.