Philip A Zealous Evangelizer

Opening Up New Territories

Jesus had foretold his disciples would preach "both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part  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 name 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 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."  (1 Corinthians 9:19-23  If we  make ourselves available by preaching to all, Jehovah can use us  in the work of 'making disciples o people of all the nations' before the end  is wicked system arrives.-Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Philip's Further Privileges

Watchtower, 2000