One of the very last things that the Lord Jesus said before He ascended back into Heaven was that He wanted His followers to go into all the world and bring His message of salvation to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20). This Great Commission was not just for the early years of the Church, but is still our marching orders for today. In our Scripture passage for today we will read about Philip and his obedience to witness to a man from Ethiopia who was returning home from a visit to Jerusalem. As we read the account from the Book of Acts, let's observe the method that Philip used in witnessing, comparing it with some other, usually less effective, methods used by people today.
As our passage opens, Philip was involved in a very successful evangelistic ministry in Samaria. In the middle of that God called him away to go to a road that led out of Jerusalem, heading south into a desert region. Philip obeyed God, despite having to leave a very effective preaching ministry to head to what would seem an empty nowhere. Yet there he met a man who was ready to hear and accept the Gospel. Philip would have only a brief moment to witness to this man as he headed back home, so it was important to make effective use of that time and properly witness. There are several methods of witnessing that are used today with varying results, and some that bring zero results.
One method that is employed by some churches and Christians is to go door to door or approach random people and tell them about Jesus, often giving them a Gospel tract. That brings mixed results. Sometimes people are open to the message, especially if a careful, Biblical explanation of salvation is given. Many Gospel tracts are well written and can be very effective in leading someone to the Lord when read. However, the short-coming of this method is that there is often little or no follow-up, and once someone gets saved, unless they make their way to a good, Bible-preaching church, there is little spiritual growth.
There is the “intellectual approach”. This is where they sit down with other people and discuss world religions, philosophies, nature, etc. There is little or no mention of Jesus, certainly no mention of one’s need of salvation. They want to keep it all intellectual and not wanting to possibly offend anyone. For them being sophisticated and intellectual is more important than telling the message of Jesus. The discussions may be interesting, but the one problem is that no one ever gets saved! Jesus told us to bring His message to others, not just have philosophical discussions.
A third approach is the mute approach or lifestyle approach, which is probably the most popular among many today, but is equally not effective. It is being a silent witness, letting one’s life be a witness. However, how many people who do this have ever had a neighbor or co-worker come up to them and say that they have been observing what a good and upstanding person they are and want to become a Christian because of their good behavior? I don’t think that ever happens. People practice this method perhaps because they are afraid or unsure of themselves in actually talking about the Gospel, or unfortunately maybe they are too lazy. Or again, they may not want to offend anyone. People who follow this method have swallowed a lie of Satan. No one gets saved! The Scriptures say that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). We are to speak, to preach, the Gospel.
Philip’s approach was a one-on-one approach. He was available to God, and went when God called. He was also led by the Spirit. God prompted him and he approached the man. When we are in prayer for someone we know who is lost, the Holy Spirit will open up opportunities for us to witness. Philip also used a good approach when speaking to the man. He didn’t just barge in and clobber the man with the Bible. Philip used tactfulness and was sensitive throughout his conversation. And very importantly, Philip was specific. He didn’t get sidetracked with vague conversations about philosophy. He used only the Bible, and spoke only about Jesus. Philip wasn’t worried that he might offend the man. When the man accepted Jesus as his Savior, Philip followed through with baptism.
It is just as important today as it ever was to bring the Gospel message of Jesus to the world. However, it is important that we are careful in how we bring this message, as we want to be effective. The intellectual and the silent approaches bring zero results, and can’t really be said that it is bringing the message of the Gospel to others. Let’s follow the lead of Philip and be ready to always bring the message of Jesus to others.
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