Effective Philip

 Philip was one of those more 'invisible' people.  We don't hear a lot about him like we do of Peter, James, John and Paul.  Yet he was an effective, despite elusive, evangelist.

It's interesting what's recorded about him in the book of Acts and chapter 8 verse 4-8, and 26-40.  His ministries brought "much joy" to the city of Samaria.

Then we see his willing obedience in a couple of sets of 'twin verbs'.  There's "rise and go" and "and he rose and went."  The Lord had had a specific appointment for him with the Ethiopian eunuch.

The Spirit of the Lord then instructed Philip to "Go over and join" (the Ethiopian in his chariot).  "So Philip ran ... and heard".  Then the eunuch invited, "Come up and sit" (vs 30).  This divine appointment brought this Ethiopian court official to Christ.

Philip was a 'now you see him' and 'now you don't' sort of man.  He himself did't know half of it as he next "found himself" at Azotus because the Spirit of the Lord carried him there.  Can you imagine that experience?

He didn't hone in on this experience though.  He was in Azotus and there he preached.  He continued his ministsrations to the general public.  At last, he "came to Caesarea" (vs40).

Later in Scriptures we find he had a home in this city and several unmarried daughters who prophesied.  He had his house in order.

Would that we could be as humble, obedient and effective as Philip was, as the Lord calls us to do whatever, wherever we find ourselves.  All this until Jesus comes or calls us away to Himself.

                                                       ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 8:4-6 and 26-40 ESV.

Sing, Humble Heart, along with Matt McClery.