Philip A Zealous Evangelizer

Philip's Further Privileges

After preaching to the Ethiopian official Philip witnessed in Ashdod,  "and he went through the territory and kept on declaring  the good news to all the cities until  he got to Caesarea."  (Acts 8:40) In the first century, these  two cities had substantial Gentile  population.  On his way  north to Caesarea, Philip likely preached in prominent Jewish centers,  such as Lydda and Joppa.  Perhaps that is why disciples could later be found in these areas. -Acts 9:32-43.

The final mention of Philip occurs some 20 years later.  At the end of his third missionary journey, Paul disembarked at Ptolemais.  "The next day,"  says Paul's traveling companion Luke,  "we set out and arrived in Caearea,  and  we entered onto the house of Philip the evangelizer."  By this time, Philip had  "four daughters, virgins, that prophesied." -Acts 21:8, 9.

Apparently, Philip had settled in Caesarea.  But he had not lost his missionary spirit, for Luke calls him "the evangelizer."  This expression often indicates one who leaves his home to preach the good news in unworked regions.  The fact that Philip had four daughters who prophesied suggests that they followed in their zealous father's footsteps.

Present-day Christian parents should remember that their children are their most important disciples.  Even if such parents have had to relinquish certain theocratic privileges because of family responsibilities, like Philip they can remain wholehearted servants of God and exemplary parents. -Ephesians 6:4.

The visit of Paul and his companion gave Philip's family a fine opportunity to show hospitality.  Imagine the interchange of encouragement!  Perhaps it was on this occasion that Luke gathered the details about Philip's activities, later included in Acts chapters 6 and 8.

Jehovah God used Philip extensively to further Kingdom interests.  Philip's zeal enabled him to spread the good news in new territories and to promote a healthy spiritual atmosphere in his home.  Would you like to enjoy similar privileges and blessings?  Then you would do well to imitate the qualities displayed by Philip the evangelizer. 

Next time: There Are Living Gems in Namibia!

Watchtower, 2000