Recently, I have been reading the Book of Acts. The followers of Jesus received specific instructions from the Lord before His ascension into heaven. The believers saw the Lord add many people to the faith (see Acts 2:46-47).
One devoted follower, Philip, was chosen (along with six other men) to serve the widows in the daily distribution of food (see Acts 6:1-7). My curiosity led me to follow Philip’s ministry. He traveled to the region of Samaria (Acts 8:4-8) and preached the word, sharing the gospel message. Despite the tension between the Jews and the Samaritans, the good news of Jesus brought great joy and unity among the people.
At the end of Acts 8, Philip is given another ministry assignment.
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 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, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.
- Acts 8:26-28
Philip received specific instructions from an angel of the Lord. He was told to walk south along the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. No other details were given. Philip packed his knapsack and started walking.
He obeyed. I believe Philip was praying as he walked along that desert road. Imagine his words: “Lord, what are you calling me to do on this assignment?” “Who will I meet?” “Holy Spirit, prepare my heart and fill my mouth with godly and truth-filled words.” “Lord, I will need Your discernment to fulfill this ministry call.”
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.
“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So, he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
- Acts 8:29-31
Once again, the Spirit spoke and gave specific instructions to Philip. In my mind’s eye, I see Philip jogging alongside a royal chariot and entourage. His ears perk up when he hears the man reading a familiar passage from the prophet Isaiah. As a Spirit-gifted evangelist, Philip had to ask, “Do you understand this reading?”
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. In his humiliation, he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.”
The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
- Acts 8:32-35
This Ethiopian man was a seeker who had traveled from Meroe to Jerusalem for one of the religious festivals, a journey of about 1,500 miles. He had obtained a copy of the scroll of Isaiah, and the Lord was stirring his spiritual longings. While we do not know Philip’s exact location (was he in Samaria or Jerusalem?), the Holy Spirit sent him to explain the good news of Jesus to this man.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 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.
- Acts 8:36-39
The eunuch received the gospel message, and he immediately wanted to be baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ. Stop the chariot! I want to be baptized. As a new believer in Jesus Christ, Philip agreed to baptize him. And then, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away as they came up out of the water. What a fantastic ministry assignment!
Head to Heart
Philip was obedient. He did not question his assignment. He walked the desert road and demonstrated his availability to serve the Lord. Have you ever been told to go somewhere or do something specific? Did you follow the instructions? Did you hesitate or question?
How do you hear from the Lord? Do you spend time daily looking into His Word? Do you take time to ask the Lord to lead you and guide your decisions and steps?
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