STUDY No.35 - PHILIP THE EVANGELIST

"What can a man do when he is burning to get out with the gospel, but is called upon by his church to care for the old ladies at home? Philip's response was to do the task allotted to him, leaving his future vocation to God. He was right, for he was soon released to take the message of salvation to Samaria, to Africa, and then up the coast to Caesarea. Years afterwards Paul visited his home and met his four active daughters. On that occasion no mention is made of Philip himself, so we wonder if he was away, or indeed if he was ever at home for long, since he is the only man to be given the title of 'evangelist' (Acts 21:8) The man whose life is governed by the Holy Spirit need not fear stagnation nor worry about the fulfillment of his vocation, for God will have everything under control".
                    Selected from "Daily Thoughts on Bible Characters" (Harry Foster/Victory Press)

Three Philips are clearly referred to in the New Testament:

1. The brother of Herod (Luke 3:1).
2. One of the twelve apostles (Matt 10:2-4).
3. Philip the deacon (one of the seven mentioned in Acts 6:5) who became Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8) - the man we refer to in this study.

HIS PREPAREDNESS (Acts 6:1-8)

(a) A man of honest report, a man of integrity. An evangelist is liable to many temptations. His relations with 'money', with 'women' and with 'pride' must be watched.

(b) A man who is "filled with the Spirit". Consider carefully Luke 11:13, Romans 8:14 and Ephesians 5:18.

Don't be side-tracked on this important aspect of Christian living. Some move into mysticism, others into experiences. Micah 6:8 is as clear a verse as any on this matter of true spirituality.

(c) Filled with wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30 and James 1:5).

If I wanted a job done well then I should choose, if possible, an honest man, a truly spiritual man and one endowed with a good measure of common sense and wisdom!

We can understand why Philip was not only called, but chosen for something special.
(See Matthew 20:16).

This lesson is too good to miss. Why not pause just now and pray: "Lord make me like Philip". - Then spell out the details!

HIS PREACHING (Act 8:5-25)

Nothing and no-one should take His place. One of the problems we have seen in recent years is that 'other things' have been preached instead of Christ crucified. Bishop J.C. Ryle of Liverpool once said that after hearing many a sermon he wanted to ask "Where is the Lamb?" (Genesis 22:7).
 Acts 8: 4, 14, 25
 Acts 17: 2
 2 Timothy 4: 2
  1 Peter 1: 23-25

Whether we preach in public or speak in private, use 'the sword of the Spirit' - the word of God.

Acts 8: 6, 7, 13
1 Thessalonians 1:5

The apostle Paul well understood this (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-4).

Five minutes of careful explanation of a verse can be more profitable than a 45-minute sermon full of clever headings and tear-jerking illustrations.

One of the best books we have found to help a budding preacher is "The Preacher and His Preaching" by Alfred Gibbs. It can be obtained from:

Mr Stan Marsh,
The Fishers Fellowship,
Faith House,
79 Pen Y Maes Avenue,
Rhyl,
Clwyd LL18 4ED. / U.K.

HIS PERSONAL EVANGELISM (Acts 8:26-40)

This passage to me is a very precious passage. I relate to it personally.

I was not brought up in a Sunday School. I did not attend a church and I had never been to an evangelistic crusade.

Notice the following in connection with Philip:

The Guided Servant
He was ready, he was willing, and he went.		  Acts 8: 26, 29, 39
The Anxious Sinner
He was searching in the right place.		  Acts 8: 27-34
The Mighty Saviour
  Acts 8: 32-35
The Rejoicing Saint
  Acts 8: 39

This chapter is surely the soul-winner's blueprint. The setting is right up-to-date. We have the lost soul and the seeking Saviour - but sadly, so often the 'Philip' is not around.

Make me a winner of souls, dear Lord;
Show me just where to begin;
I know Thou canst never make use of me
Until 1 am cleansed from all sin.
Point out the weights that are hindering, Lord,
And then come and burn up the dross;
Give me a passion for perishing souls;
My boasting, my glory Thy Cross!


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