Turning The World Upside Down: An Unusual Calling: Acts 8:26-40

I. Phillip’s Unusual Calling vs. 26-27a

A. Phillip was in tune with the Spirit, to know what He wanted him to do. Too often, we expect God to work the same way, all the time. In doing so, we may miss out on what the Lord is saying to us.

Isaiah 55:8 NASB95

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

Micah 4:2 NASB95

Many nations will come and say, “Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

B. God will lead us, individually and corporately.

Romans 8:14 NASB95

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

C. Phillip didn’t question the angel, since everything was going so well in Samaria. Sometimes God calls you away when everything is going well. Many would say, that no one questions angels, but remember Zacharias did. (John the Baptist’s dad).

II. Phillip’s Unusual Chariot Ride vs. 27b-38

A. The Ethiopian Eunuch was a failed Jewish proselyte. He would not be able to worship according to the law. He would have been confused, and hurt, yet clinging to the truth the only way he knew how. The law sees everyone unfit for worship unless they are perfect. Jesus came and fulfilled the law, so that we may worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Deuteronomy 23:1 NASB95

“No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall enter the assembly of the Lord.

B. Both Phillip and the eunuch were discerning and listening, when the Spirit of God spoke to them. This is essential for anyone to Christ.

C. Start where the unbeliever is at and make a b-line for Jesus. Don’t talk down to them, but bring them along like you would a child.

D. Phillip preached one of the most descriptive messianic prophecies in the Old Testament (Isa. 53) (John MacArthur presents the gospel to Ben Shapiro ex)

E. You need some water to baptize someone if it were only sprinkling, they could have used a water bottle.

III. Phillip’s Unusual Change vs. 39-40

A. The word snatched away is the same word we get rapture from. Phillip was supernaturally teleported to Azotus 20 miles away.

B. Phillip settled down in Caesarea, had a family, and where he probably planted a church. He might have helped plant churches in that area, since he is called an evangelist 20 years later.

Acts 21:8–9 NASB95

On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.