An evangelist, at least that’s what he is called in Acts 21:8, when he hosted Paul and his traveling companions as they journeyed toward Jerusalem. (An ill-advised trip, I believe.) “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.” Note this is not Philip the Disciple, but the Philip who began his Christian service as a deacon! See Acts 6:5, for that list of seven humble men.
It seems (from the Bible information we have) Philip did not pastor a Church. He rather went from place to place, as directed (sometimes miraculously) by the Holy Spirit! Always preaching the Word of God as he traveled.
“Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” Here Acts 8:5 details a bit of this man’s itinerary.
Next, unexpectedly too: “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, to another place to preach! Under clear orders from the Lord!
Then, after completing the “Gaza desert” assignment … “The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip. And Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.” Acts 8:39-40
See what I mean?
A traveling preacher!
The point of today’s Lesson … thank God He calls men to serve as shepherds of a flock, pastors to a local Church congregation. But then too, thank God He calls men to be evangelists, roaming the whole land and following the “open doors” God sends their way.
“Preachers at large” one might call them.
Yes indeed, Philip was one such evangelist.
“And God gave (to the Church) some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Each with a work to do for the Lord: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12
What a beautiful picture, the local Church being an organism … not just a lifeless body!
Serving the Church, maybe even serving the Pastors of the Churches … one of the many joys of an evangelist!
Pray for me today.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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