The Call of God to New Testament Characters

Lesson 9

Lesson Text—Acts 8:5-8

Acts 8:5-85 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the

miracles which he did.

Lesson Text—Acts 8:5-8

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8 And there was great joy in that city.

Lesson Text—Acts 8:26-28

Acts 8:26-2826 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Lesson Text—Acts 8:26-28

27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Lesson Text—Acts 8:29-32

Acts 8:29-3229 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Lesson Text—Acts 8:29-32

31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not

his mouth:

Lesson Text—Acts 8:33-35

Acts 8:33-3533 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

Lesson Text—Acts 8:33-35

34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Focus Verse—Acts 8:4-5

Acts 8:4-5Therefore they that were scattered

abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto

them.

Focus Thought

Philip’s biography encapsulated

the life of a Christian through his

progressive stages of growth in

service and ministry.

I. Philip the SaintCulture Connection

Growing in God’s Call

Why is it that most individuals impatiently desire more responsibility, whether on their job or in the church, before they have proven themselves to be faithful? It seems to be inherent in human nature. Clearly, the Lord revealed that we grow in responsibilities as we demonstrate faithfulness.

I. Philip the Saint“His lord said unto him, Well done,

thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Jesus described a faithful employee in Matthew 24:45-51 and Luke 12:42-48. In her article titled “The Faithful and Wise Servant,” Rebecca Graf observed, “Jesus tells of a manager that was given much in responsibility.

I. Philip the SaintIt was an important job and the end result could be huge. If the manager did a great job and took care of all his responsibilities no matter what time of day or who was watching, great rewards and promotions would be in the future. Sound pretty easy, huh? Let’s stop here and examine our own work ethics.

“You are hired to do a job. The end result for yourself is a paycheck. Admit it. That is the main reason that 99% of us work.

I. Philip the SaintWe like the bank account to periodically rise above negative.

“But what is the employer looking for? They are looking to get their money’s worth and then some. They want the job complete and completed well. Both sides are looking for something out of this arrangement” (http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Faithful-and-Wise-Servant, accessed January 12, 2011).

I. Philip the SaintGod calls every believer to places of responsibility in His kingdom, but advancement requires growth. Only as we exercise faithfulness to His call will He allow us to take on more responsibility.

I. Philip the SaintContemplating the Topic

Jesus gave His apostles a Great Commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20). Fulfilling this commission would be impossible without the gifts God gives

to the church:

I. Philip the Saint“some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). Through the Spirit’s empowerment, however, the objective of evangelism is achievable!

EvangelistAccording to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the Greek word for “evangelist” derives from a root word meaning “to announce good news (evangelize) espec. the gospel:—declare . . . glad (good) tidings.” The role of the evangelist is not limited to a select few; God calls every Christian to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

I. Philip the SaintThe evangelist Philip was first of all

called to be a saint, then a server, and then a spreader of good news. As a saint he lived a godly life, exemplifying loyalty and faithfulness to the body of Christ, to the apostles, and to the Lord Jesus. His integrity and spiritual maturity stood out in the crowd of believers, causing him to be chosen as one of seven men to wait on tables. But he did more than serve tables; he began to spread the gospel, which brought many souls into the kingdom

of God.

Transparency 1

As a saint, Philip was a man of “honest report, full of the Holy Ghost andwisdom” (Acts 6:3).

I. Philip the SaintSearching the Scriptures

Philip the Saint

The word saint appears frequently in both the Old and the New Testaments. The Greek word for saint means to be physically pure, morally blameless or religious, and ceremonially consecrated, an ideal for which every true child of God strives. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:21).

I. Philip the SaintTruly, every committed believer in the local church is called to be a saint. Our first glimpse of Philip was as a saint in the Jerusalem church.

In Acts 6:3-5, the apostles selected seven men of “honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to help address some needs within the early church. One of the men chosen was Philip.

I. Philip the Saint1. The church in Jerusalem was a

growing, revival church. After the mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost, the early church exploded with growth. From the initial three thousand souls, God added to the church daily until it is thought the church in Jerusalem numbered between twenty and fifty thousand.

I. Philip the Saint2. Philip was an active member of

the local church. It appears from the scriptural setting that out of the thousands of believers, Philip’s zeal and faith and involvement stood out in the crowd so that others could not help but notice. Pastors notice and appreciate saints who remain faithful to the cause of Christ. Thank God for people who do not abandon their faith, loyalty, and involvement during times of stress. Rather, they contribute to an atmosphere of evangelism within the

local church.

I. Philip the SaintGuests who visit a local church

should encounter a hospitable, loving atmosphere. Peter said, “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (I Peter 4:8-9). The manifestation of godly love in the saints kindles a desire in the sinner to return, which facilitates the opportunity for Christ’s love to draw him to repentance and the new-birth experience.

II. Philip the ServantPhilip the Servant

Believers in the Jerusalem church were “one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32, NIV). Many sold possessions, houses, and lands and gave the proceeds to the apostles to distribute among those in need. As the church continued to grow, a dispute arose when Hellenistic Jews murmured against the Hebraic Jews because the Greeks thought their widows were being shortchanged in the daily

distribution of food.

I. Philip the SaintThe apostles solved the problem by appointing seven outstanding men, including Philip, to “wait on tables” so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and study. Philip was not appointed because of his drive and ambition to make a name for himself; instead, his blameless reputation among the saints opened the door for service. He served behind the scenes, not caring who received the credit as long as the work pleased the Lord.

A. Supplying the Simple NeedsA. Supplying the Simple Needs

Often after a great move of the Holy Ghost, problems surface among the saints. This occurs because of mankind’s fallen nature. It is the responsibility of the ministry of the local church to resolve disputes and work toward solutions.

Transparency 2

I. Philip the Saint1. Physical needs often are the first opportunities of evangelism. Our present society and culture is being swept out to sea in an ebbing economic tide. Thousands stand in unemployment lines and look to economic assistance programs. People face lost jobs, home foreclosures, and other circumstances that make it hard for them to feed their families.

I. Philip the SaintWhat a time for the church to rise up, if it is in their means to do so, and reach out to help some of these people for the sake of reaching them with the gospel! When the church focuses on the needs of others, internal problems seem to evaporate.

2. Physical needs often indicate spiritual problems. We live in a hurting world. Our hospitals, clinics, jails, and prisons scream at us that our world needs the gospel.

I. Philip the SaintCountless individuals suffer from alcoholism, addictions to legal or illegal drugs, crime, and violence. We cannot transform sinners into new creations in Christ Jesus, but the love of God working through us can do so. As soon as sinners allow Christ to transform them, they begin to experience a redemptive lift in mind, soul, and spirit, as well as in material things such as jobs, relationships, and health.

B. The Call to ServeB. The Call to Serve

The call to service in the kingdom of God constitutes a call to serve others. Paul repeatedly referred to himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ.”

1. Qualifications for Servants (Acts 6:3). Under the direction of the apostles, the early church in Jerusalem selected seven men to wait on tables. They needed to appoint Holy Ghost filled individuals who were honest and wise so they could resolve

disputes and deal fairly with the people.

I. Philip the Saint• Honesty. The word honest simply means “truthful; able to be trusted.” In recent times a rash of dishonesty and lies has spread throughout many government agencies. Such behavior is a reproach to a nation; and as people continue to forget God, the fraud and dishonesty increase. The church should be immune to this disease. Honesty ought to prevail in every aspect of a person’s life when that person is filled with the Holy Spirit: in communication, giving, relationships, and responsibilities.

I. Philip the SaintIn these fraudulent times, an honest person stands out and draws great appreciation. • Full of the Holy Ghost. Fully established believers in Jesus Christ have received the Holy Ghost, but not every believer continues to live in a way that is fully responsive to the guidance of the Spirit. Apparently, the apostles’ idea of “full of the Holy Ghost” had to do with a believer’s living by the Spirit, following His guidance, and continually advancing

and growing in relationship with Christ.

I. Philip the SaintThis was one of the standards by which they chose Philip and the other six men to wait on tables. The apostles then prayed over them and laid their hands on them. This blessing of apostolic authority helped the deacons to dissolve the contentions so the church could continue to grow. • Full of Wisdom. Wisdom is simply the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong, truth and error.

I. Philip the SaintIf it was necessary for the seven deacons to be full of wisdom, it is much more needful that we in this present corrupt and perverse society exercise godly wisdom. (See James 1:5-8.)

2. Philip was selected to serve as one of the seven (Acts 6:5). The saints in Jerusalem recognized these Spirit-filled men as outstanding examples of honesty. The apostles concurred and endorsed their choice.

I. Philip the Saint• Qualified to serve. The church in

Jerusalem placed confidence in Philip. Through their fellowship and worship with him, they knew he fulfilled the apostolic requirements. They did not base their choice on talent or natural ability; they based it on Philip’s honesty, wisdom, and the manifestation of the Holy Ghost in his life.

I. Philip the Saint• Willing to serve. Apparently, Philip did not scorn the work of waiting on tables as being too trivial and menial. Philip submitted to the will of the Holy Ghost and served willingly and cheerfully. That is the way it should be whenever the mantle of responsibility falls on an individual whom the local body of believers honors and trusts.

I. Philip the Saint• Chosen and commissioned to serve. Following his selection by the church, Philip and the other six men subjected themselves to the apostles, who laid their hands on them and prayed over them. Whatever responsibilities in the church may come to us, we should serve the Lord with integrity and faithfulness, and we should submit ourselves to the individuals of authority in our lives. Further, we need the power of the Holy Spirit operating within. Jesus said, “Without me ye can

do nothing” (John 15:5).

C. The Blessing of ServingC. The Blessing of Serving

The entertainment industry has fostered a generation that wants to be entertained while they merely sit and observe. It seems this spirit has seeped into the church as well, with the result that some believers do not worship, praise, fellowship, sing, or serve. They simply want to sit and watch and hear and be entertained, but not involved. What a tragedy!

I. Philip the Saint1. Recognized by God and Others.

The members of the local church body can recognize people who consecrate their God-given talents and abilities to the Lord and His cause. Most importantly, God notices. These Christians will be used greatly to further the work of the Lord both in the local assembly and in the worldwide work of God. Often the local church is the place where gifts and callings first become evident.

I. Philip the Saint2. Spirit of Revival Increased. As

the seven deacons began to serve, harmony and unity descended on the believers in a shower of the Lord’s blessing. The Word of the Lord increased and the church experienced another great influx of converts. Sincerity, unity, and singleness of mind still bring the blessing of the Lord. (See Psalm 133.)

I. Philip the Saint3. Needs Met in the Congregation. Soon after the deacons began to serve, contention and scorn vanished and the fragrance of peace and fellowship began to permeate the atmosphere. This freed the apostles to turn their attention to prayer and ministry of the Word.

The church still needs people who are willing to work behind the scenes to foster unity and fellowship.

I. Philip the SaintThis frees pastors to pray and study and consecrate themselves to God so they will be able to apply godly wisdom to problems that arise in the church. A good example of this can be seen in the Old Testament. Crowds of Israelites besieged Moses every day from morning until evening, unloading their disputes and demanding satisfaction. Moses grew more and more frustrated as he tried to sort everything out judiciously.

I. Philip the SaintWhen Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law,

visited, he was troubled by the incessant demands on Moses’ time and energy. Jethro suggested a hierarchy of leaders who would have charge over tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands. Seeing the wisdom of his father-in-law’s advice, Moses trained men to serve as judges. When a low-ranking judge encountered a problem he could not solve, he appealed up the chain of command.

I. Philip the SaintThus everyone’s needs were met, and Moses dealt with a problem only when it had baffled the four leaders in a particular chain of command. (See Exodus 18.)

4. Advancement in Ministry. The Scriptures first mention Joshua in Exodus 17:9 when Moses put him in charge of the battle against Amalek. This battle served as “field training” for the future conquest of Canaan. In Exodus 24:13 Moses took his minister Joshua up the mount of God, where Joshua waited while Moses received

the Law.

I. Philip the SaintIn Exodus 33:11 Joshua “departed not out of the tabernacle.” He knew the importance of basking in the presence of God.

On the threshold of Canaan, Moses, at the command of the Lord, chose Joshua to serve as one of the twelve spies. When the people of Israel balked at the Jordan River, however, it cost Joshua forty years of waiting to serve in the capacity for which he had been groomed.

I. Philip the SaintThe Lord instructed Moses to set

Joshua before Eleazar the priest and before the congregation and give him a charge. When Moses laid his hands on Joshua, the younger man received a spirit of wisdom and some of the honor that belonged to Moses. It was another step toward Joshua’s leadership over Israel. (See Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9.)

I. Philip the SaintEven though Joshua knew he had

been commissioned to inherit the highest level of leadership, he still served Moses faithfully and willingly until the day of Moses’ death. (See Deuteronomy 1:38; 34:5-9.) When the Book of Joshua begins, the Lord finally “spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying . . . arise, go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:1-2). It was time to step into the role for which he had been prepared and commissioned.

I. Philip the SaintWhen an individual gives himself diligently to fulfill the responsibility with which he has been entrusted in the local church, he will be rewarded and promoted. A person who is more willing to be used will be used more. The Lord rewards faithful individuals.

III. Philip the EvangelistPhilip the Evangelist

Another “table waiter” named Stephen, “full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). His preaching aroused opposition, and a mob of Jews arrested him and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. As these elders listened to Stephen’s defense, conviction made them boil with rage. They ordered that he be dragged outside the gate and stoned to death.

I. Philip the SaintThis was the beginning of a period of great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. However, even this did not stop the spread of the gospel. As the saints scattered everywhere throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, they preached the Word of the Lord. Instead of squelching the fires of revival, persecution only fanned the flames and it spread everywhere.

A. Philip Preached in SamariaA. Philip Preached in Samaria

Philip left Jerusalem along with the flood of saints trying to escape persecution. However, he went in faith and not in fear. Sometime later he came to Samaria where he preached concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. With one accord, the inhabitants of that city took Philip’s preaching to heart.

I. Philip the SaintPhilip ministered throughout the

town, and everywhere he went signs and miracles followed. Unclean spirits fled the individuals they had dominated. Lame people walked and leaped and praised God; palsied people grew steady. Many repentant individuals flocked to Philip to be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of their sins. A swelling tide of joy and gladness filled the city! No one—not even Simon the sorcerer—had ever seen anything like it.

I. Philip the SaintThe sorcerer responded by being baptized and afterward followed Philip everywhere, marveling at the evangelist’s seemingly mystical powers.

However, something was missing in the great Samaritan revival. In spite of the miracles, the baptisms, and the joy, none of the Samaritans had yet received the Holy Ghost. Soon the news of the revival in Samaria filtered south to the apostles in Jerusalem, and they sent Peter and John to

support the revival.

I. Philip the SaintWhen Peter and John laid their hands on the baptized Samaritans, they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8 does not state that the Samaritans spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. However, when Simon the sorcerer saw what happened when believers received the Holy Ghost, he was amazed. This seemed to him to be the most phenomenal “trick” of all. Clearly, he saw some dynamic evidence of the Spirit infilling, and he desired the

same ability.

I. Philip the SaintEvidently what he saw was believers speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave evidence of its entrance into the individuals’ hearts.

Simon called Peter and John aside and urged, “Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:19). Peter rebuked the sorcerer vehemently and said, “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

I. Philip the SaintRepent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:21-22). Simon the sorcerer’s wrong motive, lack of sincerity, and his wish to grab the limelight deprived him of a chance to participate in the ministry. His character looked like a dirty smudge in contrast to the purity of Philip’s character.

B. Philip Preached to the EunuchB. Philip Preached to the Eunuch

God interrupted Philip’s mighty revival in Samaria to send him on a strange mission: “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert” (Acts 8:26). This meant a trek of over forty miles. Philip did not know what to expect, but he started walking south to Jerusalem, and then southwest on the road to

Gaza.

I. Philip the SaintAs Philip trudged along, he looked up and saw through the shimmer of heat a dust cloud stirred by the wheels of a chariot. “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Philip broke into a run.

Unaware of Philip, the man in the chariot sat reading aloud from the scroll of Isaiah. His expensive clothes testified to the fact he occupied a prestigious position in the government of Candace, queen of

Ethiopia.

I. Philip the SaintHe had been to Jerusalem to worship and celebrate the Feast of the Passover, and now his rumbling chariot was pointed toward home. The prophet Isaiah’s words touched his heart, but at the same time puzzled him. Who was the subject of these poignant, poetic words?

He was in the middle of the fifty-third chapter when a commotion at the side of the chariot startled him. A stranger jogging beside the chariot called loudly, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

(Acts 8:30, NIV).

I. Philip the SaintThe Ethiopian responded, “How can I . . . unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:31, NIV). He ordered the driver to stop and invited Philip into the chariot. Philip began with Isaiah 53 and preached Jesus Christ to the Ethiopian whose heart leaped with faith at Philip’s words. Turning his head, he spotted an oasis and asked Philip to baptize him, which Philip did gladly.

I. Philip the SaintA miracle of divine direction placed

the evangelist Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch together on the road to Gaza because God recognized the hunger in the Ethiopian’s soul. He still recognizes hungry souls today, and He works miracles to reach them. Philip was just as excited about this one convert as he had been about the tremendous revival in Samaria; however, he did not get to enjoy his new friend’s fellowship for long. The Spirit suddenly caught him away.

I. Philip the SaintWhile the Ethiopian continued on his way home in his chariot, Philip experienced a supernatural ride to Azotus, a city on the coastal road.

C. Philip Preached in Every City on the Way to Caesarea

C. Philip Preached in Every City on the Way to Caesarea

The zeal and passion of the gospel message burned in the heart of Philip. Passing through that area, he preached in all the cities on the way to Caesarea: Joppa, Lydda, Ashkelon, Arimathea, and other towns lying along the Mediterranean seacoast.

IV. Philip the Spiritual ElderPhilip the Spiritual Elder

The next mention of Philip appears in Acts 21:8. Realizing the Book of Acts covers a period of about sixty years, perhaps by this time Philip was a seasoned minister. Apparently he had a home in Caesarea, for Paul’s evangelistic party stayed there for a while.

I. Philip the SaintPhilip was a married man with a

family of four daughters. The fact that all of his daughters could prophesy speaks volumes of Philip’s consistent and zealous involvement in ministry. What a great tribute to a man of God! In spite of all his travels for the gospel, he and his wife raised some young ladies who loved and served God with the same intensity. Philip had evangelized his own household successfully, which is perhaps the greatest ministry of all.

I. Philip the SaintHe was indeed the servant of the Lord both in his own home as well as abroad.

Transparency 3

A. All Called to Be SaintsThe Universal Call to Evangelism

A. All Called to Be Saints

The highest calling in this present life is to be a saint of the Most High. What a calling! Paul wrote, “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). God commands every person to repent and grants salvation to anyone who will answer the call.

I. Philip the SaintAfter the initial new-birth experience, God continues to call every saint to higher service, especially those who exhibit faithfulness, zeal, and a servant’s heart similar to Philip. These willing people are entrusted with greater responsibilities and broader ministry.

B. All Called to Be ServantsB. All Called to Be Servants

Paul often designated himself “a servant” of the Lord Jesus Christ. Likewise, every believer should be His servant. We should submit to His call to servanthood without despising the call or ignoring it. God notices the individuals who serve in this role to the best of their ability and with all their heart. When He sees they can be trusted with a small responsibility, He often calls them to larger ones.

B. All Called to EvangelismC. All Called to Evangelism

Because of the martyrdom of Stephen and the subsequent persecution by Saul of Tarsus, the members of the early church “that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The gospel message burned in their hearts, and they preached the Word of the Lord to all who would listen.

I. Philip the SaintGod does not hold a sign that says “preachers only” when it comes to spreading the gospel. He calls all believers to preach the Word to receptive hearts. Only when all believers participate can we fulfill our commission of preaching the whole gospel to the whole world—by the whole church.

I. Philip the SaintInternalizing the Message

There are qualifications to belonging to the bride of Christ. We must experience the new birth through repenting, being baptized in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This salvation is the greatest gift we could receive from God. However, God gives other gifts besides His Spirit.

I. Philip the SaintFor instance, He gives evangelists to His church, those uniquely gifted in the ministry of delivering the good news of the gospel. The ministry gifts equip the church to fulfill the Great Commission.

The role of an evangelist is not reserved for preachers only. God calls all of his saints to spread the good news—to evangelize. Those whom He calls are full of the Holy Ghost, wise in His ways, fervent in spirit, and faithful to the call.

I. Philip the SaintThey remember whose kingdom they are propagating. They do not promote themselves, but they preach Jesus Christ. If we answer this high call willingly, and faithfully perform it, He will multiply our efforts and add many souls to His kingdom.