Philip the Evangelist

Acts 8:1–3 ESV

1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

INTRODUCTION

While the church was grieving Stephen’s death. God used a difficult situation to increase the kingdom of God.

Because of the current state of persecution, the Church is now scattered outside the walls of Jerusalem. The persecution of God’s people could not stop God's purposes. God is building a church of which the very gates of hell cannot prevail against it. (Matthew 6:18)

Gates are used as defensive structures by God in scripture. So Jesus, using the illustration of the gates of hell, is saying that hell will not withstand God’s mission for the church.

The church will advance and prevail by confessing that Jesus is the Messiah the son of God.

The Austin Stone

After a season of mission emphasis at Austin Stone Church they sent 100 people over seas with the goal of reaching un-reached people groups.

One of those in the group was Ronnie Smith, a young, funny, energetic young evangelist. He had many opportunities to join large church staffs within the United States. However, Ronnie and his bride had determined to go all the way to Bengazi Libya to make the gospel known.

In a conversation that Ronnie had with another pastor he shared that he felt at home in Lybia. Like it was the place that God had meant for him to be. Ronnie had lived in Bengazi for nearly a year teaching science to High School students looking for opportunities to share the gospel.

Just weeks after the conversation with this pastor two Lybian men unloaded six rounds into Ronnie’s chest. Just 8 days before he was to return to the states to meet his wife and new born child for Christmas.

Many in the media wondered why a guy like Ronnie would move to hostile Libya in the first place. But all of heaven knew exactly why he did it: Ronnie Smith was following Jesus. Like Stephen, Ronnie didn’t set out to be a martyr. He set out to be like Jesus, but sometimes Christlike living leads to Christlike dying.

Following Jesus will always mean that we must count the cost. Today, do we call people to count the cost of following Jesus?

Luke 14:26–33 ESV

26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Those following Jesus simply for what they can get won’t stick around when it gets tough. When God’s way conflicts with ours, we will feel betrayed by the shallow, me-first faith we have bought into.

If we have not counted the cost of being His child, we will turn away at the threat of sacrifice and find something else to gratify our selfish desires (cf. Mark 4:5, 16-17).

In Jesus’ earthly ministry, there came a time when the free food stopped, and public opinion turned ugly. The cheering crowds became jeering crowds, and Jesus knew that would happen ahead of time.

PRINCIPLES WE LEARN FROM A CHURCH SCATTERED

1. The Twists of our Lives are God Designed Opportunities

Have you ever considered that your promotions, demotions, move-in place of residence, job placement, and every other turn in life are divinely ordained and planned by God as an opportunity to share the gospel message?

I think of Russel in Benghazi, who was among a people who reviled and hated Christians. However, he saw where he was as the place God had sovereignly placed him to spread the gospel.

God is on a Big mission, and we are all a part of it.

Acts 8:4–8 ESV

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

Note: Those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip specifically went down to Samaria to proclaim the gospel.

NEITHER PERSECUTION OR RELOCATION COULD STOP THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.

A Man on a Mission

Luke focuses on Philip a man that appeared to be on a mission. Later in Acts Philip will be referred to as “the evangelist.”

Hostility between Jews and Samaritans had lasted for thousands of years. Samaritans were a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles. Even the Gentiles did not accept them into their community. The Samaritans had their own version of the Pentateuch and their own temple. The Samaritans were despised by the Jews as hybrids in both race and religion.

Jesus sympathy for these people is well documented in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well.

Who are the outcasts in our society today: the homosexual, the transgender person, the alcoholic or drug abuser, or the ex-convict?

Unfortunately, I have seen how the church often treats people who are different from themselves, both in beliefs and background. We are called to be the very aroma of Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

a) We give off an Aroma of Life or Death

Paul also concludes in 1 Corinthians 1:18 that the cross is power to those who are being saved and foolishness to those who are perishing.

Note: How quick are we to assume someone is a Christian just because we hear them profess to us that they are a Christian?

2. Be Careful what Gospel You are Following

Acts 8:9–25 ESV

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” 25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Simon the Magician

For some time before Philip arrived in the city, people were following a different influence. A man named Simon apparently had practiced sorcery in the city. His sorcery amazed the people so much that his reputation traveled outside of the city.

He boasted that He was someone great. The city's people were gullible enough to believe that he somehow had divine powers.

“This man is the Power of God that is Called Great”

Commentators are not agreed about the meaning of this phrase. Some consider it clear ‘that “the great power” was a Samaritan designation for the supreme deity’, and that ‘Simon declared that this deity had come to earth in his person for the redemption of men’.

Others think it more probable that Simon regarded himself, and came to be regarded, as some kind of emanation or representative of the divine being.

Certainly in the middle of the second century Justin Martyr, who himself came from Samaria, described ‘a Samaritan, Simon’, who ‘did mighty acts of magic’, so that ‘he was considered a god’ and was worshipped not only by ‘almost all the Samaritans’ but even by some in Rome who erected a statue in his honor.

Why is Following Christ So Difficult

No sane parent has ever said, “I wish my children would misbehave,” and there’s never been a self-help book entitled How to Live an Unhappy Life.

We all want blessings, happiness, and fulfillment, and we associate a happy condition with a certain amount of ease.

Jesus promises blessing and fulfillment to those who follow Him (John 4:14), but many people have been surprised that the way of Christ is not as easy as they had hoped. Sometimes, following Christ can be downright difficult. The facts of blessings and hardships are not mutually exclusive.

The people paid “heed” to Philip. The verb prosecho is used twice in the passage as Simon also pays heed in 8:10-11. Half of the six uses of this word are found in Acts. The explanation is that Exorcism and healing of the paralyzed drew people to Philip.  Paul will also exercise such power against demonic forces.

This shows that what the church brings is distinct from any other magic practiced in the world. Philip brings the Message of Gods’ kingdom to bare on the world.

vs. 12 He preached the good news about:

1) The Kingdom of God.

2) The name of Jesus Christ.

People are either following the kingdom of this world with its temporary hook; looking for cheap parlor tricks that tickle their fancies, or they are following the kingdom of God which is eternal and cannot be swayed or destroyed.

Illustration of Simon’s Error (John Piper)

The simplest way I can describe what went wrong in Simon’s thinking is the picture of a one-year old sitting on her mothers lap and suddenly in the window there is a beautiful bird and you hold out your hand to point at the bird and say, “Look, look at the bird.” What does the child look at? He looks at your hand and the sign you are making with your fingers. He might even try to imitate the sign by pointing his index finger.

He see’s the sign and is excited because you are excited. But the problem is that he never sees the bird. The whole point of the sign is missing.

a) All Forces opposed to the Gospel are put on Notice.

The people recognized the difference between the gospel Philip was offering them and Simon's.

Remember that when Jesus was on earth, the demons ran and trembled at being in His very presence. The apostles will now perform even more exorcisms, which indicates that the power of God cannot be stopped.

Note: Most likely, Philip's kind of Magic delved into the dark magic of incantations and charms. Simon's acts of magic amazed the crowd throughout the nations until Philip showed up on the scene and began to cast out the very demons responsible for such dark magic.

b.) There is a difference Between Belief and Saving Belief.

True Saving Faith

Simon found himself challenged by the gospel that Philip was preaching. We read that Philips miracles rivaled those of Simon’s. What does it mean that they believed the gospel that Philip was preaching? It is less clear what is meant by “Even Simon himself believed and was baptized.”

4 Warnings that Luke Gives us in the Text

1). Simon’s Non-Saving Faith

vs. 12 says that Philip was preaching good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Verse 13b says that Philip was doing “signs and great miracles.” So true preaching and true miracles were being done in Samaria by Philip.

“Simon Believed”

What did Simon believe? Something happens that follows the “belief” to be false.

The Apostles specifically Peter and John came down and laid their hands on the Samaritans so that they receive the Holy Spirit.

Verse 18 is where the problem arises. Simon saw that the Spirit was given by the laying on of hands and said, “Give me some of that power that you have.” Simon proceeds to offer payment for the gift. Peter tells him that He has no part or lot with the Christian community. There is a kind of faith or believing that does not save, even though it rises in the presence of true preaching and true miracles. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

1 Corinthians 15:1–2 ESV

1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

HOLD FAST

2). The Object of Simon’s Faith

Luke’s warning points us to the object of Simon’s faith - the thing which he believes - is the power of supernatural phenomena. Simon was a sorcerer which means he dealt with the supernatural power before he had ever heard of Philip or Jesus Christ. He used magic for His own gain and power.

Look at what Simon knew. When he saw the works of Philip and heard his preaching he knew the power was real, and far greater than his own. The object of his faith was the power of signs and wanders.

3). Simon’s “Faith” as Mere Amazement.

Look at how the text makes this clear.

The word “amaze” is used three times in connection with Philip’s faith. Having an amazement at what God is doing and has done in other peoples lives is not saving faith. In verse 22 Peter says to Simon, “Repent of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be changed.” What was missing was a heartfelt recognition of sinfulness and turning to Jesus with a broken and humble heart of trust for forgiveness. Amazement and excitement will not save you.

4). Simon’s Crooked Heart

Verse 21 Peter declares, “You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right (literally: straight) before God.” At the root of Simon’s false faith was a heart problem. And that is the way it is with everyone of us. His heart was not straight before God.

He was not a simple one-year-old sitting on his mother's lap, staring innocently at her pointing finger instead of out the window.

He was a man with a crooked heart who willfully suppressed the knowledge of the true God, whose Spirit cannot be bought.

Romans 1:21 “they became futile in their way of thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise they became fools...

The Ethiopian and Learning How ordinary People Live on Mission

Acts 8:26–40 ESV

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

3. We Must Learn to Love People With a God-Centered, Christlike Love

In this final story, we see that Philip's heart is open to all kinds of people, which reflects the very heart of God. What makes a good missionary? A deep, abiding Love and Compassion for people, the ability to reach beyond cultural barriers, and obedience to where the Spirit calls us to go.

Contrast of Philip with Jonah

Jonah’s heart was callous against the Ninevites which God called him to go and proclaim the good news of the gospel. Unfortunately the spirit of Jonah is present in many peoples lives. Who are you most reluctant to share the gospel with today.

We are called to love the least, the last, the lost, and yes, even our enemies who hate us and seek our harm.

Remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit, we even read in 1 Corinthians 15 that the greatest of these is Love.

a.) We must daily surrender to the Spirits Call

Notice that He told Him to leave the revival among the Samaritans to go to this dusty desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza.

What we know about the Ethiopian Man

1). He is an important official of Candice Queen of the Ethiopians. Most likely something like a minister of finance.

2). He is a Eunuch, which would have made him an outcast according to the Levitical Law.

3). He was a God fearer who believed the God of Israel like Cornelius, but he could not experience full membership into the community because he was a Eunuch.

He was reading from Isaiah, which would have been a particularly important promise for eunuchs because the prophet describes the future in his work, promising eunuchs” a name better than sons and daughters” and “an everlasting name that will never be cut off.”  Isaiah 56:3-8.

Philip Responds to a God Ordained Meeting

Philip approaches the man in the man in the chariot at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. How often do we refuse to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The Greatest softball response to Philips question that you could ever be given in Evangelism: “How can I unless someone Guides Me.”

Lee Strobel The Case for Christ

A nurse serving at a local hospital in Chicago followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to go to the restaurant that Lee and his wife happened to eating at one night. This led to saving his daughters life, and later his wife coming to faith, and much later Lee Strobel surrendered his life to Christ. All because the nurse listed and acted on the Spirit’s prompting.

“A Missional Church is a Church that is composed of Individuals who are led by the Spirit like Philip. The Lord will direct us, but we must be willing to obey.”

Philip could have used the common excuse we give God, “Not now!” to excuse himself from following God’s prompting in his heart. After all, Christian ministry was exploding in Samaria; why would he leave?

This whole chapter is a great lesson on how God’s ways are not our ways.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not think you need to “feel led” to share the gospel with people before you actually do so. The Lord has given us the Great Commission to obey.

It gives us all the license to go out daily and make the gospel known. However, we should pray for divine opportunities.

b.) We Must Understand and Be Able to Explain the Good News to People.

Philip, alone in the desert with an Ethiopian in a chariot rolling along in the desert son. A scroll is unfurled between the two of them as the Ethiopian shares that he has been reading Isaiah 53:7-8, from the famous suffering of Christ.

For centuries Jews have debated about this passage of Scripture. Is the prophet speaking of his own suffering, that of the nation as a whole, or that of the Messiah?

Philip who completely understood Jesus to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies like this one, was prepared to provide the answer.

He shared that some 750 years before Christ the prophet Isaiah had predicted the crucifixion, described the suffering of Jesus in detail, and at the heart of Christ’s mission was the substitutionary atonement of Christ for sinners on the cross.

Jesus is the Lamb of God, who has borne our sins in his body on the tree. He is the One to whom the redeemed from all nations cry, “Worthy!”

EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD BE PREPARED TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

You are called to be a student of the word of God, not merely a hearer of it. You should constantly take notes, diligently memorize scripture, and saturate yourself faithfully with it.

Note: In August, when school starts, we will begin a Sunday evening study called “Do You Believe.” We will examine the Church's core doctrines and what we must be able to share with those who do not know Christ. I strongly encourage you to attend this event no matter how long you have been a believer.

LEARN HOW TO USE QUESTIONS TO EXPLAIN THE GOOD NEWS

The whole passage we have been reading in Acts revolves around questions. Philip asks one question, and then the Ethiopian asks three. Asking questions, in fact, is the way we learn and grow. It is one of the most effective tools we have at our disposal when sharing the gospel.

It is common to hear people with whom you’re attempting to share Christ admit, “I do not know the first thing about the Bible.” Notice that Philip does not use a canned evangelism presentation. He can dialogue with the Ethiopian because he knows the Bible.

CONCLUSION

Notice that the scene ends with Philip being taken away by the Spirit to his next mission and the Ethiopian going on his way rejoicing at what had just happened to him.

We read that Philip continues preaching the gospel, working his way north, until he finally lands at Caesarea, where we read in. Acts 21:8 says that Philip has a home with four daughters. Luke now calls him “The Evangelist,” who was one of the Seven.

Can you honestly say today that “The Evangelist” would depict your life as a believer? Or would a better title be “The Reluctant,” “The Disobedient,” or “The Apathetic?”

Before you think the evangelist's work is only for certain Holier people, read what Paul tells Timothy in the following text.

2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

“Do the Work of an Evangelist to Fulfill Your Ministry.”

The command for your ministry is both weighty and never-ending until Christ returns.