Philip's Witness

Acts 8:26-40

Nestled into one chapter in the Book of Acts we have an account of some of the ministry of the Apostle Philip, and today we’ll take a look at how God used him in a special way.  Just prior to our passage Philip and his companions were holding some very successful evangelistic meetings in Samaria, and many people were being saved (Acts 8:5-8). However, right in the middle of that work the Holy Spirit summoned Philip to another assignment He had for him, and that’s where our passage today picks up.  Philip is immediately obedient, though he might have wondered why he was being directed to leave a successful ministry so suddenly. God had other plans, and He would keep the work going in Samaria without Philip.

God knew what He was doing, for on the road that Philip was lead to, there was a lost soul, a soul that was searching, but did not yet know Jesus.  God knew that He could use Philip here as a witness, and let’s see how we, too, can be a witness for God by his example. First, Philip was available.  When God needed Him for the work in Samaria, he was available for that. Now when God wanted him to reach the soul of this man traveling from Jerusalem back home to Africa, Philip was ready (vs. 26-28).

Secondly, Philip was obedient to being led by the Spirit.  God instructed him to approach the man, an Ethiopian court official, who was riding in a chariot down the road (vs. 29-30).  He didn’t argue with God, saying that this might be rather awkward, impolite, or embarrassing to just intrude like that. Sometimes the Lord needs us to step out of our comfort zone and do something for Him that we might not otherwise feel comfortable doing.

Thirdly, Philip used an appropriate opening to start a conversation with this gentleman.  He heard this man reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, saw that the Ethiopian was already interested in spiritual matters since he was reading Scripture, so Philip asked if he understood what he was reading (vs. 30).  When we wish to talk to people about the Lord and give them a salvation witness, particularly if they are not close friends or relatives, we need to pray that the Holy Spirit will open up a good opportunity for us.

A fourth point, and a particularly important one, is that Philip was tactful when he started to tell him about the Lord Jesus (vs. 31-35). He didn’t whack this man with his Bible, telling him that he’d better get saved right now or he’d burn in hell. No, Philip respectfully and thoughtfully started where he was in the Bible and explained to him how Jesus was a fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. This is important, as some people get very overzealous, get very pushy in their witnessing, and unfortunately turn people off and away from the Lord. Philip was kind, considerate, and sensitive, and the results paid off.

Next, Philip was also very specific when he was talking to this gentleman (vs. 35).  He didn’t give some vague and generalized dialogue about various religions. No, he was quite specific and clear in his witness for Jesus, and how He was the Messiah.  Though he was polite and courteous in his approach, Philip didn’t worry about being politically correct. His message was Jesus, and he would speak that, not something “flowery and feel-good”.  Finally, when Philip had lead this Ethiopian court official to the Lord in salvation, he followed up by baptizing him (vs. 36-38).

As we have seen the example Philip set with his witnessing, he didn’t immediately jump right in, just to get another number to add to his “soul tally”. He was concerned about this gentleman, caring personally about him, and showed him courtesy and compassion. Philip also didn’t engage in an intellectual dialogue.  That may be interesting and politically correct, but it does not lead someone to the Lord. If Philip had, when he left, the man would still be in the same condition - lost and on the way to hell.  Philip opened the Bible, which is the only spiritual truth. Nor did he say that “I will let my life be a silent witness.” Jesus said to preach the Gospel, not be silent witnesses.

As we go about our life, daily seeking to serve the Lord, let’s be open and willing to be used, like Philip was, in bringing others to salvation in Jesus.
*
*
I pray that you have enjoyed and benefited from these Bible meditations that I have written for this blog.   I hope you will prayerfully consider donating as the Lord might lead you. This blog is not run through a large ministry with a wide funding base.  I am an individual with limited financial resources.  Thank you and God bless.