We all know the apostles James and John as well as Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But recently I read Acts 8:26 and the story there, and yes, I then had to do some research. As I started this blog on the story there, I learned a startling new-to-me fact. There were 4 different men named Philip mentioned in the Bible.
And here is the “fun fact” for me: there was confusion in the early years of translating the Bible and there is still “debate” about which Philip is being talked about in different places in the Bible. Surprise, surprise!
OK, I can relax in that case. That is the sort of “debate” I am not particularly interested in joining but happy to wait until I get to Heaven to get the full scoop. (yes, that is just me – not a particularly scholarly approach, I realize).
Nevertheless, Henry Blackaby was introducing me to a subject I do care about – my mission with God. He talked about the Philip who is the key character in the story starting at Acts 8:26. The sources I checked say this was the “other” Philip, not the disciple by that name but another person that is referred to as “Philip the evangelist” or “Philip the deacon”. He was one of the 7 chosen to serve the early Christian community.
Frankly, I am glad to learn that. Usually, if it is a disciple, I sort of mentally put them in a higher level of intimacy with Jesus, so hey, how could I even begin to get as much “personal teaching” as they got. But now, this is Philip who probably had much less personal time with Jesus but was clearly being guided by the Holy Spirit and on a mission with God, as Blackaby puts it.
I feel some hope from that. It is always hard for me to be sure I am “hearing” from the Lord. I really would prefer the postcard in the mail from Him, frankly. And I wonder how clearly the Biblical times folks heard His words. I know He “thundered” in speaking in the Old Testament and scared the Israelites half to death. But he also sent angels with messages at times. So, who knows how He will contact me?
So, what is Philip’s (Philip the evangelist, that is) story? Well first, Blackaby tells us what “missions” definition he is using – he says it is “God finding those whose hearts are right with Him and placing them where they can make a difference for His kingdom.” Isn’t that the goal you and I have? And yes, a little “fear and trepidation” gets mixed in there – what is He going to do to me now?
But God had access to Philip and used him to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Philip preached powerfully in Samaria (Acts 8:5) and the city was rejoicing at the miracles God was doing. Who wouldn’t want to be in Philip’s position for that joyous activity?
But Blackaby points out that Philip was not “activity-centered” in his Christian life – he was God-centered. Unlike many current “evangelists”, Philip was not concerned with expanding his reputation as a great preacher but rather he wanted his life to remain in the center of God’s activity. That sounds so good – and I can only pray I can stay in that mindset long enough for the Lord to do some good through me. But could I be as faithful as Philip when the Lord directed him to leave his fruitful ministry? Blackaby says he didn’t hesitate. (Acts 8:27)
Yep – when God wants you to go on a mission with Him, he will be clear. He told Philip to go south on a desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza – and Philip started out immediately on the road the Lord indicated. Could I be that responsive? I suspect I would have lots of debate words ready about how important are the things I have on the calendar to do and cases I am handling right now plus what I am planning to do down the road so I couldn’t possibly head out right now on that “desert road”.
Here’s the issue – and it is a painful one. Blackaby says God continues to seek those as responsive as Philip to go on mission with Him – He first looks for those willing to have their lives radically adjusted away from their self-centered activities and placed into the center of God’s activity around the world. Ouch!
What happened next? On that desert road, Philip came across an Ethiopian eunuch who is returning from Jerusalem where he had been worshiping – he was a high official in charge of the treasury of the Queen of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian was seated in his chariot, reading aloud from the book of Isaiah. Desert road – scorching sun – dust kicked up as he walks – but Philip approaches the eunuch who is engrossed in the scriptures.
Now here they are – Philip, a Jewish believer, and the Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile God-fearer. And the Holy Spirit serving as the travel guide and “orchestrator” of the situation.
Philip is obviously guided by the Holy Spirit because he is told to “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Philip did that without hesitation and then heard the man reading Isaiah. Philip asked the man “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man admits he is trying to make sense of the scriptures and he invites Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch was a true seeker.
Philip did not disappoint. He shares the good news of Jesus with him, eventually leading to the eunuch’s baptism. And here the story turns to “amazing” to me. Philip baptized the eunuch in water that was beside the road they traveled. Here’s the part I had not camped on before – “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.”
Whoa! I know his work was done, but to be whisked away like that? Could you handle that? In a blink of an eye Philip “traveled” from that roadside and appeared next at Azotus, a city about 20 miles from Gaza and 60 miles from Caesarea. Like, transported? God is amazing, for sure!
So what’s the point? You know Blackaby has one that is ever so personal for us to ponder, correct? He asks “have you seen the activity of God around you? What is God presently inviting you to do? How are you responding?”
Oh dear, I am not sure I am proud of my answers. But yes, I will take this seriously and open my eyes to what is going on around me. And I think I must also open my eyes and ears to what the Holy Spirit is directing around me. So “Who is Philip” to me? A great reminder and inspiration to be available to what the Lord’s mission is in my world. I hope you are inspired as well – we could benefit from looking around with fresh eyes, right?
