Opening Up New Territories

Jesus had foretold that his disciples would preach "both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) By preaching in Samaria, Philip was sharing in the fulfillment of those words. The Jews generally had little respect for Samaritans. But Philip did not prejudge these people, and his impartiality was blessed. Indeed many Samaritans got baptized, including a former magician named Simon.-Acts 8:6-13.

In time, Jehovah's angel directed Philip to go to the desert road that ran from Jerusalem to Gaza. There Philip spotted a chariot carrying an Ethiopian official who was reading aloud from Isaiah's prophecy. Philip ran alongside the chariot and struck up a conversation. Though the Ethiopian was a proselyte with some knowledge of God and the Scriptures, he humbly admitted that he needed help to understand what he was reading. Hence, he invited Philip to get on the chariot and sit with him. After a witness was given, they came to a body of water. "What prevents me from getting baptized?" The Ethiopian asked. Philip promptly baptized him, and the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing. Likely, this new disciple spread the good news back in his homeland.- Acts 8:26-39.

What can we learn from Philip's ministry involving the Samaritans and the Ethiopian official? Never should we assume that individuals of a certain nationality, race, or social status will not be interested in the good news. Instead, we should declare the Kingdom message to "people of all sorts." (1Corinthians 9;19-23) If we make ourselves available by preaching to all, Jehovah can use us in the work of 'making disciples of people of all nations before the end of this wicked system arrives.-Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Philip's Further Privileges