Philip the Evangelist (Acts 1:13; Acts 6:1–6; Acts 8:1–17; Acts 8:26–40; Acts 21:8–14)

One of the Seven, Preacher in Samaria

One of the seven chosen at Jerusalem, who went down to Samaria and proclaimed the Christ, was sent by an angel to the road to Gaza to preach Jesus to an Ethiopian eunuch, and years later is found at Cæsarea with four daughters who prophesied.

This Philip is not the apostle of the same name (Acts 1:13): the twelve had the seven chosen from among the disciples (Acts 6:2-5), and Acts calls him “Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven” (Acts 21:8).

After the persecution that followed Stephen's death scattered the church, “Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ” (Acts 8:5). Then “an angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza” (Acts 8:26), where he met an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah and “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35).

He is next found at Azotus, preaching in all the cities until he came to Cæsarea (Acts 8:40). Acts last shows him there, where a company that included Paul abode in his house (Acts 21:8-14): “Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied” (Acts 21:9).

Strengths

• Readiness to go where sent
• Preaching to the one and to the many
• Answering a question from Scripture

Themes

• Proclaiming the Christ
• Obedience to the Spirit's leading
• The word crosses boundaries
• Scripture opened

Chosen as one of the seven (Acts 6:1–6)

The multitude chooses seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom; Philip is named after Stephen.

Preaching in Samaria (Acts 8:1–13; Acts 8:14–17)

Scattered by persecution, Philip goes down to the city of Samaria, proclaims the Christ, and the multitudes give heed; men and women are baptized.

Preaching in Samaria

“They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word. And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ” (Acts 8:4-5). “And the multitudes gave heed with one accord unto the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he did” (Acts 8:6). “And there was much joy in that city” (Acts 8:8).

“But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12).

When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John, who prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-15).

The Ethiopian on the road to Gaza (Acts 8:26–39)

An angel sends Philip toward Gaza; the Spirit tells him to join a chariot, where an Ethiopian eunuch is reading Isaiah, and Philip preaches Jesus to him and baptizes him.

The Ethiopian on the road to Gaza

“And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some one shall guide me?” (Acts 8:29-31).

“And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). At a certain water the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36), and “they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38).

“And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).

Azotus to Cæsarea (Acts 8:40)

Philip is found at Azotus and preaches the gospel to all the cities until he comes to Cæsarea.

His house at Cæsarea (Acts 21:8–14)

Later a company that includes Paul comes to Cæsarea and abides in the house of Philip the evangelist, who has four virgin daughters who prophesied.

Stephen (Acts 6:5)

Chosen with him among the seven.

The apostles (Acts 6:2–6)

The seven were set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

His four daughters (Acts 21:9)

Four virgin daughters, who prophesied.

The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27–39)

A man of great authority under Candace, reading Isaiah, to whom Philip preached Jesus and whom he baptized.

Paul (Acts 21:8–14)

Paul was among the company that abode in Philip's house at Cæsarea.

Major sections

• Acts 6:1–6
• Acts 8:4–40
• Acts 21:8–9

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