Philip, the evangelist
(Read Acts 8:4-17,26-40)
Reflection on the passage:
One of my recent projects as chaplain has been to develop curriculum to further equip and encourage staff in sharing their faith with others. As I reflect on what we know about Philip, the evangelist, from the book of Acts, I see that he exemplifies what disciple-making is about. Led by the Holy Spirit, Philip encountered people individually and in groups, addressing both their spiritual and physical needs, while boldly sharing the good news about Jesus.
Philip’s ministry began with a focus on those in need of financial provision and protection. He was one of the seven deacons appointed by the twelve apostles to care for the widows and be sure that food was distributed not only to the Jewish Christians in need but to the Greek-speaking Christians as well. This allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:1-6).
The next season of Philip’s ministry involved proclamation of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. After his fellow deacon Stephen was stoned to death, Saul’s persecution of Christians intensified, and they were scattered throughout the region. Philip, rather than hide from persecution, became bolder in the faith. He went to a city in Samaria where he shared the gospel with the people, performed healing miracles, and cast out demons in Jesus’ name. People were amazed and filled with joy. Philip baptized many, including Simon the sorcerer.
In Philip’s evangelistic work, we see most importantly that he was led by the Holy Spirit. Following God’s specific leading, he met the Ethiopian Eunuch on the road to Gaza at just the right moment in his receptivity to the gospel. Philip found him reading Isaiah in his chariot and asked a question to begin the conversation. Meeting the Ethiopian in his desire to understand more, Philip explained how Christ is the fulfillment of the Isaiah’s words. The Ethiopian asked Philip to baptize him right then and there. Next the Spirit took Philip to Azotus and he preached the gospel in all the towns from there to Caesarea, where he eventually came to live.
We don’t hear any more about Philip until Acts 21. There we learn that his sharing of the faith must have included his four unmarried daughters who had been given the gift of prophecy. I imagine that this family in Caesarea would have been a wonderful one to visit, as Paul and Luke did on their journey to Jerusalem.
May we be inspired by Philip’s example as we seek to live out Christ’s great commission to make disciples. Like Philip may we listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudges to meet people right where they are and to share in understandable ways the good news about Jesus. And may we share it wherever He leads us, whether with people very different from us or with those right in our own home.
Focus verses and questions for prayerful reflection:
“… The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked.” (Acts 8:29-30)
Think about a person that you sense the Spirit may be leading you to talk with about the good news of Jesus. Where do you think this person is in his/her openness to Him? Is there a particular spiritual question that might help to begin a deeper conversation? Pray for that person and for insight into how and when God wants you to share with them.
For further reading:
Read the other two references to Philip: Acts 6:1-6 and Acts 21:8-9.