We don’t hear much about Phillip, but in this chapter he’s front and center. It makes me wonder how many events will be celebrated in heaven that human history has forgotten.
Persecution didn’t slow the growth of the church, it energized it. If the Romans wanted to stamp out Christianity they should have made it legal, popular or even mandatory. But when they said “if you profess Jesus Christ as Lord” they ensured that only those who were serious about their faith would sign up. And those who are serious see powerful results from their ministry, which attracts even more believers.
Tertullian (a church leader from the second century church) said “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” He understood that commitment that remains solid even when life is taken, or blood is shed is fertile soil for conversions.
Phillip was the first to go into Samaria, a region where the people didn’t get along with the Jews. They had their own religion, and their own holy places. Ironically, these were the remnants of Jews who weren’t imprisoned when Israel fell. Most Jews avoided this area, because they weren’t friendly toward Jews. Phillip went anyway. Do you have a “Samaria”? A place that you avoid because you don’t care for the beliefs or attitudes of the people who live there? Pray about whether or not Jesus wants you to be a “Phillip” to that group.
Everyone always wants to know if Phillip disappeared and reappeared, or simply “lost track of time” as he walked a different way. I think he was miraculously transported to another place.
This passage is an excellent example of how the Holy Spirit works. “walk up beside that chariot” says the Spirit. He doesn’t say why, or what to do when you get there….just go. I think as we become more in tune with the Spirit, we will be willing to respond to His every word. When this happens, we can expect to see great results from our ministry.
Looking forward to becoming more sensitive to the Holy Spirit,
PR