Philip: Devout Deacon

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Psalm 9:1–10 NIV

1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge. 5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. 6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished. 7 The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. 8 He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. 9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

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Zechariah 13:7–9 NIV

7 “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. 8 In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. 9 This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”

Worship Set

Acts 1:1–8 NIV

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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Worship Through the Word:

Philip: Devout Deacon

An old 1997 devotional in Our Daily Bread related the following incident.

10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Synonymous with Heroism)

On January 21, 1930, the name of Harold Vidian became synonymous with heroism. On that day, England’s King George V was scheduled to give the opening address at the London Arms Conference. The king’s message was to be sent by radio all around the world. Donald McCullough, in his book The Trivialization of God (NavPress, 1995), tells us that a few minutes before the king was to speak, a member of the CBS staff tripped over an electrical wire and broke it, cutting off the whole American audience. With no hesitation, chief control operator Harold Vidian grasped one end of the broken wire in his right hand and the other in his left, thus restoring the circuit. Electricity surged through his body. Ignoring the pain, Vidian held on until the king had finished his address.

The message of our King, the King of kings, must go to the whole world. Our assignment is to deliver that message here in Elgin. But only as we allow God’s power to pass through us can the Lord’s saving gospel be transmitted. Paul wrote, “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Rom. 10:14).

If we are willing to serve as conduits, regardless of the cost to us, the good news will be proclaimed here in Elgin. The question is, will you be a conduit for the King’s message?

Today, I am starting a new series in Acts. It is not a long series as I am not going through all of Acts. In 2018, I had a series from Acts 1-7 as we looked at the beginning of the Christian church. At this time, I want to look specifically at some key individuals who aided in carrying this message to the world. We will be working our way through Acts 8-12. Next year, I hope to return and finish Acts by focusing on Paul’s ministry.

For today, please open your Bible’s to Acts 8. I plan to read Acts 8:4-8.

Allow me to catch you up just a bit. Stephen has been martyred and as he is, the persecution of the church begins full force. This produced a mass scattering of Christians to escape the persecution.

Acts 8:4–8 NIV

4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

After Jesus ascension, the church was to wait until the Holy Spirit came. Then they were to spread out and carry the gospel. However, the Spirit came, the church grew, and people were content to remain where they were.

Things have not changed much. Many people never fully yield to God for fear that He will send them somewhere they do not want to go, to do something they do not wish to do. This has really hindered the church growing as it should.

When instruction and positive reinforcement doesn’t work, God allows negative circumstances to move us. In this case, persecution explodes and the church quickly disperses.

Now, I am not talking church building (little c). I am talking, THE Church (big C), God’s people.

At this point in the book of Acts, it zeroes in for a moment on a singular man. This man is somewhat obscure. He is mentioned only once before this, in Acts 6. He is obviously a young man with no family attachments at this time. We can easily assume this since he is traveling by himself.

Now, do not confuse Philip with the Apostle Philip. These are two different men. It is interesting that we actually come to know more about this Philip than the Apostle Philip. This is because, this Philip is...

I. Philip: A Man of Action

The first place we meet Philip is in Acts 6 where we find that he is called to be...

A. A Deacon of the Church, Acts 6:1-6

Acts 6:1–6 (NIV)

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

*Deacon (now, then)

In this passage, we learn 5 things rather quickly about Philip.

1. He was Greek

2. He was in good-standing within the church

3. He was considered wise by his associates

4. He had proven himself Spirit-filled

5. He was anointed for service within the church

This is a good resume for any Christian and when we seek to place people in responsible roles within the church, we need to be sure that they have proven themselves wise, Spirit-filled, and in good-standing among their piers.

Even though Philip was a deacon, it did not prevent him from preaching when there was no pastor available. The next thing we see is that Philip was also...

B. Philip was a Missionary, Acts 8:1-13

Philip went to Samaria when no one else was willing to do so.

Acts 1:8 NIV

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

1. He gave witness to the Messiah

2. His faith manifested signs

Acts 8:6 NIV

6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

a. He exorcised spirits

b. He healed the lame

Note: The emphasis is that because of the signs, they listened.

3. He baptized people in the Name of Jesus

4. His ministry brought great joy!

Acts 8:8 NIV

8 So there was great joy in that city.

Remember these are Samaritans.

5. News of his ministry spread back to Jerusalem

Acts 8:14 NIV

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.

Because of Philip’s faithfulness, God brought others to help the ministry to continue.

But Philip did not stop there. Not only was Philip a missionary, but...

C. Philip was an evangelist, Acts 8:26-40

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Philip was not concerned with the fact that he had never been trained as a pastor or evangelist. Philip just saw the need and responded. Even more than that, when God called...

1. He instantly obeyed the Lord.

Acts 8:26 NIV

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”

Not only did he instantly obey, but...

2. He obeyed without question.

and when the time came...

3. He shared the gospel eagerly

Acts 8:26–35 NIV

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

Now remember. Philip was Greek. He was a Hellenistic Jew. He was not an appointed Apostle. He had not attended Bible College or Seminary.

If an angel came to you and told you to do these things, how many of you would respond like this?

Me? You want ME to go? Why? What am I to do when I get there? Surely you do not mean me. Is there some confirmation you can send me so I know it is really you Lord?

Okay, so he is reading Your word Lord. What do you want me to do? Explain it? I did not attend Bible College, so how do I know how to explain it to him? Surely there is someone better for this than me Lord.

By the time we often decide to obey, it is too late. The chariot has out ran us.

By the time Philip is through, the Ethiopian has given his heart to God and desires to be baptized. Once again, Philip accommodates him. He doesn’t say, you will need to wait for a pastor. Philip understands that it is good to do so while he is eager to do so. Baptism is a key first act when someone gives their heart to God. We often wait far too long before we even invite someone to do so.

I would encourage you, if you lead someone to God, encourage them to get Baptized right away. If you are somewhere where they will be unable to do so, do not hesitate to do it. They need to have that experience.

4. Philip experienced many miracles

Philip never hesitated to trust God, even when it came to ask for miracles and Philip was blessed to see God perform other miracles in his life.

Acts 8:36–40 NASB95

36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

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We often think such things do not happen anymore, however, I believe it is because we do not obey God enough to experience such occurrences. (Heavenly Man)

Philip’s account does not end in Caesarea. We know he settled there and we find a little more about him in Acts 21:8-9

Acts 21:8–10 NIV

8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

Now we also find that...

D. Philip is hospitable, Acts 21:8-10

The we in verse 8 is not Peter and John, but Paul and Silas. They have somewhere along the way become acquainted with Philip or perhaps were referred by others that they could find an open door with Philip. There are a few final things we learn about Philip in this final passage of his account.

1. His reputation precedes him.

Paul refers to Philip as, Philip the evangelist. Everywhere Philip went, people gave their hearts to Christ because of his willingness to witness about Christ. In time, he became known as Philip the evangelist. He is considered the first evangelist and is still known as Philip the evangelist today.

2. His children were gifted with prophecy.

Philip had four daughters and they were gifted with the ability to prophesy. Some Bible versions interpret this as pastors. Whichever way you interpret it, we find they were very instrumental in continued ministry. Philip had obviously brought them up in the way of the Lord and encouraged them to minister even though they were girls.

3. He played a key role in expanding the ministry in Caesarea.

Acts 21:16 (NIV)

16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us...

By the time Paul came to Caesarea, there were a number of disciples. Why? Because of the faithfulness of Philip to do what Jesus told them all to do, to take the good news to the rest of the world.

Conclusion:

Who was Philip? A man of faith. A man of action. A man of obedience. He was not one of the Apostles, but it did not stop him from taking the gospel wherever he traveled. He was faithful in his first church by accepting the call to minister to widows. When he left, he was the first to go to the “dreaded” Samaritans to share the good news. He continued to minister whenever asked for answers or directed by God.

He raised his daughters to do the same and God blessed them with gifts to do so. God was able to use him as a mission station for others serving God. Men like Paul and Silas, who probably found their tasks easier because of people like Philip.

What Philip did was not any different than what we are to do. Philip never argued that he was not gifted, or educated to do so. He just trusted God would help him when he needed it. In bold confidence he proceeded. Sometimes just out of passion like when he first came to Samaria. At other times it was because God directed him, like with the Ethiopian.

Philip experienced many miracles. He saw God use him to heal others. He also experienced personal miracles, like God’s instantaneous transportation. I believe the reason we do not see more miracles is for two reasons.

One, we do not have the faith. We often pray, but doubt or fear God will not answer. We are afraid for our own reputation.

The second reason is because we are not being faithful to what we are to do or what God is calling us to do. If we were actively sharing the gospel, we would experience more miracles.

Remember, he did not have the full scriptures as we do today to study and be better prepared. Yet it never stopped him. Neither should it stop us!

When was the last time you did something that you knew beyond any doubt it was something God wanted you to do? If you cannot feel this daily, you need to do a life check.

Along with that, I would ask you, when was the last time you experienced a miracle? Miracles do not happen daily, but if we are living according to God’s call, we should experience miracles throughout our life.

However, miracles are not to bring glory to us but glory to God. Many people do not experience miracles because they are asking for selfish things. But when we ask as we serve God and ask for things within His will, we will experience miracles. When Philip performed miracles, it was not to bring glory or attention to himself, but to God’s word.

Acts 8:6 NIV

6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

That is the kind of life I want to lead and I hope it is the kind you wish to lead as well.

Lord, I Offer My Life to You