Philip

Day 27, Mar 2nd, 2024

Text:  Acts 8:35-37

Introduction- First, let us look at the life of Apostle Philip. Apostle Philip was one of the first missionaries that our Lord Jesus Christ called himself, and his encounters are detailed in the Book of John 1:43. Apostle Philip obeyed Him wholeheartedly and, without looking back, followed our Lord Jesus Christ. My sincere prayer today for all of you watching me now and those who will watch the podcast later is that the Lord will continue to find us at every crossroads of life that we may be. Apostle Philip embraced the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ without any resistance. The Bible records the Apostle Philip’s journey to Samaria to preach the gospel after fleeing persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 8:5-13).

The persecution in Jerusalem did not deter him from preaching the gospel because he was full of the Holy Spirit. There was the demonstration of the power of God in him as we read that there was deliverance from people who have unclean spirits, healing, and great joy in the city. Brethren, the people of Samaria have been in great distress and oppression in the city. When we look at the account of Simon, we can deduce that the city went through oppression because there was little or no knowledge of the gospel. Furthermore, Simon has used his occultic power to oppress them (Acts 8:9-25).

Life Lessons–

Obedience: Apostle Philip follows the lead and the direction of the Holy Spirit throughout his Evangelistic Ministry. The angel of the Lord told him to go near Gaza, where he met the Ethiopian Eunuch. He explained the chapter of the book of Isaiah to him and further made the Eunuch understand that Jesus Christ was the one that was referenced in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:7-8). Also, Apostle Philip preached the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to him. The Ethiopian Eunuch believed and got baptized with the Holy Spirit. As soon as he finished with the Eunuch, the Holy Spirit took him, and he preached in the city of Caesarea.

 Evangelism: (Mathew 28: 19-20) Apostle Philip was full of the holy spirit and vehemently demonstrated the power of the Lord. Preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ was fundamental to his ministry. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ brings joy and peace. Sharing the Word of the Lord brings fulfillment to the soul.

The Word of God: Philip studied the Word of God and was prepared (Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:15). Apostle Philip was full of the Word and greatly empowered. Philip was courageous and committed to spreading the good news about the kingdom of God even while facing persecution. Apostle Philip’s faith as a disciple was unwavering, which aligned perfectly with the power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in the success of his evangelistic ministry.  

Life applications

1. Be prepared to be used by the Lord at any given moment and any opportunity to act as a disciple of the Highest. As believers, we must be mentally, physically, and, above all, spiritually prepared. Most importantly, it is a requirement for us to study and equip ourselves with the WORD of God. Joshua 1:8 affirms this. Therefore, brethren must always be equipped for the race set before us. Also, we prepared ourselves by putting on the whole armor of God and shielding ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

2. The sensitivity of the spirit: As we journey through life, there are always people around us who need support, encouragement, and validation. We need to reach out to souls, meet them at the point where they are, and say the Word of healing and comfort. Draw near them and revive their faith so they can enjoy the peace of the Lord. The Eunuch was studying the Book of Isaiah and replied to Philip that he did not understand what he was reading. We have people we need to meet where they are to enjoy the new LIFE.

The Eunuch was waiting for his moment for a Word of Healing, deliverance, and restoration. Similarly, some people are yearning and waiting for their moments of deliverance, recovery, encouragement, and healing. Brethren, let us do our best to reach out to souls.

3. Triumphant in the face of Tribulation.

There is never a hopeless situation with our creator. Brothers and sisters, there will be tribulations and persecution from different groups because they do not understand and are naïve. Nonetheless, it should not be deterrence from the great commission. Apostle Paul attested to this fact when he wrote, “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Even so, we are an overcomer – (John 16:33; Jesus has overcome the world, and we have peace).

The Lesson of the Day

Make sure you always positively impact other people’s lives and always be ready to help lift other people’s spirits, confidence, and assurance. Proverbs 16:24.

Complied by: Kemi Ogunseye