Father’s Day: Faithful in the Little Things

June 15, 2008

Read Acts 8:4-15,26-40

V4-8

• Stephen has just been martyred for his testimony of Jesus, causing the church to be scattered abroad from Jerusalem; being driven out by the persecution led by Saul before his conversion. Here we run into a familiar name - a man called Philip. He’s not mentioned in any of the gospels, but first appears in Acts 6 as one of the seven deacons chosen to distribute the daily food to the neglected widows in the church. He had no idea this would lead to him being driven out of town and to head north into Samaria to preach the gospel. As we take a closer look at the character of Philip we will see that he was the perfect man for the job.
• First we need to remember that the Samaritans were hated by the Jews because they were mixed with Gentile blood. Jewish men would often thank God that they were not born a Gentile, that they were not born a woman, and that they were not born a Samaritan or half-breed.
• That’s why the disciples were astonished that Jesus spoke to a Samaritan, and a woman on top of that; even she was surprised (John 4:3-7, 27). So up to this point no one but Jesus had interacted with the Samaritans to convey the gospel message… until Philip takes a trip there.
• Verse 4says others were going out but none went to Samaria, except Philip (v5). Just as Jesus said He must go through Samaria, so does Philip, and look at the response into these uncharted areas. In verse 6 they listened to the things spoken by Philip, and remember what those things were - he preached Christ to them (v5). Notice faith doesn’t follow miracles, but miracles follow faith…
  1. Unclean spirits are cast out
  2. The sick and the lame are healed
  3. Joy has replaced oppression - as you will soon see

V9-15

• There was a man named Simon, the sorcerer, who oppressed the people with his sorcery. Notice before they all listened to him, they were in bondage for a long time (v10-11). But Philip’s message of the kingdom, and his explanation of who Jesus was won them over. There is a very important lesson to learn right here! Many are content with merely sharing what they believe, but few can sit down and explain why they believe it. I can say there is a heaven and a hell, but what good is that, if I can’t show them in scripture where it says it in order to validate why I believe it.
• Philip was able to clearly show them in scripture who Jesus was and why He died, so much so that even Simon was convinced initially (v13). This brought such a revival that the apostles sent Peter and John there to lay hands on the Samaritans. This was significant because a Jew was declared unclean even if they brushed against a Samaritan. Prior to this, the Samaritans were denied the privilege of becoming Jewish proselytes, as other Gentiles could. It was Philip, not the apostles who overcame Jewish prejudice, who furthered interracial expansion in the church.

V26-40

• After that great revival the Lord was not through with Philip, telling him to arise and go down to Gaza. This wasn’t as simple as it seemed, for the road to Gaza was desert, and typically there was no one there. So the Lord asked Philip to leave the crowds who were accepting the gospel and go into an empty, dry deserted place without telling him why. Philip, without hesitation, obeys (v27), and after obedience the purpose comes. But notice Philip waits until he hears the Lord tell him to go before taking off (v29).
• In verse 35, again we see Philip able to explain the verses in order for the person to make an informed decision to follow Jesus, not just an emotional one. Before baptism there should always be repentance (v37). After Philip’s job is done the Lord catches him away. Philip was instrumental in introducing Christianity, not just to the Samaritans, but also to Africa. Yet, it doesn’t stop there.
• In Acts 21:8-20, years later on Paul’s final missionary journey, we read that he was a guest in Philip’s home. It’s there scripture tells us something else about Philip - Acts 21:9. He wasn’t just an enthusiastic evangelist - not just an obedient worker, but also a faithful father. He didn’t just introduce others to Christianity, he also introduced his children. He didn’t just disciple others, but also discipled his family. They were virgins - unmarried girls who prophesied. The word can mean foretelling (telling of future events) or forthtelling, which is sharing what scripture has already said.
• What caused this man to be an enthusiastic evangelist, an obedient worker, and a faithful father? Go back to Acts 6:3-5. Philip was first faithful in the little things. His initial task was to wait on tables, to care for some women who were hurt, having lost husbands, and upset, feeling as if they were neglected. In this he was faithful; content to fulfill his role in ministry.
• There are so many that have yet to learn this lesson. Up to this point, Philip was a nobody; he wasn’t one of the apostles, was never mentioned in the gospels, yet God used him mightily without having any credentials. Why? He was full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom, and had a godly testimony. Folks, God will always use a person like this greatly because they’ve surrendered wholly. Amen!