Philip the Evangelist: The Deacon Who Preached to Samaria
In the vibrant tapestry of the early church, where divine power met human obedience, certain figures emerge with remarkable clarity, embodying the spirit of Christ's commission to spread the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. Among these, Philip, often distinguished as "the evangelist" (Acts 21:8), stands as a compelling testament to God's ability to use humble servants in mighty ways. Though initially chosen to serve tables, Philip's faithful heart and Spirit-filled life propelled him beyond administrative duties into a dynamic ministry of preaching, healing, and soul-winning, particularly in the hostile territory of Samaria. His story, as recorded in the book of Acts, is a profound illustration of how persecution can inadvertently become a catalyst for evangelism and how God orchestrates divine appointments for the expansion of His kingdom.
The Call to Diaconate: A Foundation of Faith
Philip first appears in the biblical narrative not as a preacher, but as one of seven men selected to address a critical administrative need within the burgeoning Jerusalem church. As the number of disciples multiplied, a dispute arose between the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews and the Hebraic Jews regarding the daily distribution of food to widows. To alleviate this tension and allow the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, it was proposed that seven men of good report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, be appointed to oversee this practical service.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Philip was among those chosen, a clear indicator of his sterling character and spiritual maturity even before his evangelistic exploits. His inclusion alongside Stephen, another man "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," signifies that these deacons were not merely administrative assistants but spiritually gifted individuals whose lives already bore witness to the power of God. This foundational role in service prepared Philip for the greater work God had planned, demonstrating that faithfulness in small things often precedes opportunities for larger impact.
Persecution and Dispersion: The Gospel's Unstoppable Spread
The early church, though experiencing phenomenal growth, soon faced intense persecution. The stoning of Stephen, one of Philip's fellow deacons, ignited a widespread scattering of believers from Jerusalem. This brutal act, orchestrated by Saul (who would later become Paul), was intended to crush the nascent Christian movement. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, sovereignly used this adversity to propel the Gospel beyond its Jewish confines.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Philip, driven by the persecution, found himself in Samaria. This was a significant geographical and cultural shift. Jews traditionally had no dealings with Samaritans, viewing them as half-breed heretics. Yet, Philip, empowered by the Holy Spirit and unhindered by prejudice, boldly proclaimed the Gospel in this unreached territory. His obedience to the divine leading, even in the face of societal norms and personal discomfort, exemplifies the true heart of an evangelist.
Philip in Samaria: A New Field for the Gospel
Upon arriving in Samaria, Philip did not merely settle; he immediately began to preach Christ. The impact was immediate and profound:
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
Philip's preaching was accompanied by undeniable signs and wonders, authenticating his message. Miracles of healing and exorcism broke the power of darkness and captivated the attention of the populace. This supernatural demonstration of God's power led to widespread belief and "great joy in that city." The Samaritans, long estranged from true worship, were now embracing the Messiah through Philip's ministry. This was a pivotal moment in the expansion of the church, fulfilling Acts 1:8, where Jesus prophesied that His disciples would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A notable encounter in Samaria involved Simon the Sorcerer, a man who had captivated the Samaritans with his magical arts, even claiming to be "some great one." When Philip arrived, Simon himself was astonished by the genuine power of God displayed through Philip's ministry and was baptized. However, Simon's subsequent attempt to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter and John, who had come to Samaria to impart the Spirit, revealed his unregenerate heart. This incident underscores the importance of true conversion, which involves a genuine turning from sin and a desire for God, not merely an admiration for His power.
The Ethiopian Eunuch: A Divinely Orchestrated Encounter
Just as Philip's ministry in Samaria was flourishing, he received a direct, specific instruction from an angel of the Lord to leave the city and go south to a desert road:
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot reading Esaias the prophet.
This was a remarkable act of obedience. Philip left a thriving revival to follow a seemingly obscure directive. Yet, this obedience led him to a divine appointment with the Ethiopian eunuch, a man of great influence who was earnestly seeking truth. The eunuch was reading from the prophet Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 53:7-8, a passage describing the suffering Servant. God used Philip to bridge the gap between the eunuch's sincere inquiry and the revelation of Christ.
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, explained how the prophecy pointed directly to Jesus Christ. The eunuch, convinced by Philip's clear exposition and the Spirit's conviction, immediately desired baptism:
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
This encounter highlights several critical aspects of evangelism:
After the baptism, the Spirit of the Lord miraculously carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, continuing his journey "rejoicing." Philip was found at Azotus, continuing his evangelistic journey.
Further Ministry and Legacy: Philip the Evangelist
From Azotus, Philip traveled through various cities, "preaching in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea" (Acts 8:40). Caesarea became his home, and it is there, many years later, that we encounter him again. When Paul was on his final journey to Jerusalem, he and his companions stayed with Philip:
And the next day we departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
The designation "Philip the evangelist" confirms his lifelong calling and commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. His daughters also possessed spiritual gifts, indicating a Spirit-filled household. This brief mention solidifies Philip's legacy not just as a temporary preacher, but as a dedicated evangelist whose ministry spanned decades and significantly contributed to the early church's expansion.
Conclusion: A Model of Obedience and Zeal
Philip the evangelist stands as a monumental figure in the history of Christian missions. From his initial role as a deacon serving tables, he responded with unwavering obedience to God's call, becoming a powerful instrument for the spread of the Gospel. His ministry in Samaria broke down long-standing barriers, bringing light and joy to a previously neglected people. His encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates God's meticulous care in reaching individuals, even in remote circumstances, and Philip's readiness to be used as a vessel.
Philip's life teaches us invaluable lessons:
- Faithfulness in Small Things: His diligent service as a deacon prepared him for greater responsibilities.
- Obedience to Divine Leading: He readily left comfort and success to follow God's specific, sometimes unexpected, instructions.
- Unwavering Zeal for the Gospel: He preached Christ wherever he went, regardless of cultural barriers or personal risk.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit: His ministry was characterized by supernatural power and divine guidance, demonstrating the necessity of the Spirit's empowerment in evangelism.
Philip the evangelist, the deacon who preached to Samaria, remains an enduring example for every believer. He reminds us that the call to share the good news of Jesus Christ is not reserved for a select few, but is an inherent part of Christian discipleship. His life is a powerful testament to the truth that when ordinary men and women are filled with the Holy Ghost and commit themselves to God's purposes, extraordinary things happen for the glory of His name and the expansion of His kingdom.