NOVEMBER 19, 2024

The mission of the church is accomplished as the Holy Spirit empowers witnesses to introduce Jesus Christ to the world. Today we will focus on the specific witness in this week’s passage, a disciple named Philip.

We first meet Philip as a church leader, appointed to manage food distribution to widows. He is described as a man “of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3-5). After great persecution arises in Jerusalem, Philip flees to Samaria. There he boldly and bravely preaches and heals in Jesus’ name, bringing much joy to the city (Acts 8:1-8). This week’s passage follows Philip as He continues to participate in Jesus’ mission to reach the world.

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is a desert place. And he rose and went… And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him… And the eunuch said to Philip, ‘About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus… the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away… But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.”

Acts 8:26-27a, 29-31, 34-35, 39b, 40

The angel of the Lord gives Philip very specific instructions to go to a desert road between Jerusalem and Gaza. Philip “rose and went” (Acts 8:27a). This short phrase speaks volumes about Philip! He was listening for God. He was ready to obey God quickly and fully. He was willing to follow God wherever He led. He may have wondered why God wanted him to leave a fruitful ministry in Samaria. He may have questioned what he would do when he arrived at the desert road. But Philip rose and went, demonstrating his deep trust in God.

When Philip arrives, the Spirit instructs him to approach a specific chariot. Again, Philip immediately obeys, running to the chariot and initiating a conversation with the man inside, a government official from Ethiopia. Philip did not let physical, cultural, social, or language barriers keep him from approaching this man. He engaged him by asking and answering questions and telling him the good news about Jesus. And the man believed! Then the Spirit of the Lord carries Philip away to another town to extend the mission to other cities.

Being full of the Spirit and wisdom enabled Philip to follow God wholeheartedly in all circumstances, whether it was distributing food to widows in Jerusalem, preaching and healing in Samaria, or answering the spiritual questions of a powerful man. God blessed his obedience wherever he went as more people came to know Jesus and were filled with joy and rejoicing.

Let’s follow Philip’s example, living and moving in the fullness and power and wisdom of the Spirit. Let’s obey God quickly and fully. Let’s engage with unbelievers on the roads we take, listening to them, asking and answering questions, and telling them the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Are you listening for God’s voice?
  • Are you ready and willing to follow Him wholeheartedly wherever He leads?
  • Who in your path needs to hear your witness about Jesus? What questions can you ask or address that will help them know Jesus better?

 

Church Reading Plan: Amos 8; Luke 3