ADULT STS LESSON 192 THE MINISTRY OF PHILIP

MEMORY VERSE

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:4–5)

TEXT: Acts 8:1–25

 

In the preceding text, the last thing recorded about the spate of persecution in the early Church was that “devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.” One can imagine the terror that must have gripped the Christians when the Jewish leaders not only crucified Jesus but also killed one of His evangelists. However, Pentecost made the difference. The disciples became courageous witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what believers need today to succeed in life and ministry.

Although the aim of persecution was to stop the spread of the gospel, the outcome was beyond the control of the persecutors. This highlights God’s wisdom in allowing persecution. After the establishment and growth of the church in Jerusalem and the spread of the gospel to Judea and Samaria, the Lord turned the light of the gospel toward the Gentiles. The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch was therefore significant in reaching heathen nations with the gospel message.

 

PERSECUTION AND REVIVAL OF SOUL-WINNERS

Texts: Acts 8:1–4; 1 Timothy 1:1,13; Acts 1:8; Exodus 1:12

The passage opens with Saul of Tarsus, a chief persecutor of the early Church. He fiercely fanned the flames of persecution. “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” This intense persecution unexpectedly became a catalyst for gospel revival in Judea, Samaria, and the Gentile world.

The apostles had earlier been commissioned to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8), but they remained largely in Jerusalem. God permitted persecution to scatter the church and spread the gospel across borders. Satan’s attempt to destroy the church only resulted in its expansion. Wherever believers went, they preached the word.

The evangelisation of Samaria stands as one of the most remarkable accounts of conversion in the New Testament. It involved not only Philip’s ministry but also the confirmation of converts by Peter and John sent from Jerusalem. Like the Israelites in Egypt, the church experienced growth under persecution. Though many believers were tortured and martyred, the gospel continued to advance unhindered.

 

PUBLIC INSTRUMENT AND REVIVAL IN SAMARIA

Texts: Acts 8:5–25; 1 Kings 18:17–40; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 6:1–2, 11–13, 18, 22; 1 John 1:9; 3:8–10

“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:5). There is no other message that reconciles sinners to God except the gospel. The subject of the gospel is Christ and His atoning work on the cross. For believers to be effective in soul-winning, they must faithfully preach Christ.

Paul preached the same message he received: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). It is the pure gospel preached in the power of the Holy Spirit that brings conviction, conversion, and restoration. Present-day churches need Spirit-filled believers like Philip who will urgently call sinners to repentance.

Philip’s ministry brought great joy to Samaria (Acts 8:8). We must preach the whole gospel to the whole world so that lives can be transformed. Neglect of the Great Commission leaves people under Satan’s influence, as seen in the case of Simon the sorcerer. God grieves over believers who lack vision and neglect evangelism (Ezekiel 3:18).

Many believers scattered by persecution, job transfer, education, or migration have failed to preach the gospel in their new environments. Such believers should repent and recommit themselves to soul-winning. The task is urgent because life is brief and the harvest time is short.

The Samaritans responded rightly: they heard the word, believed, and were baptized (Acts 8:6,12). Infant baptism does not replace believer’s baptism after conversion. God confirmed Philip’s ministry with signs and wonders. Evil spirits were cast out, and the sick were healed (Acts 8:7), resulting in great joy.

New converts must be followed up and grounded in the faith. They should also be encouraged to seek sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This was why Peter and John were sent to Samaria. Simon’s attempt to buy the gift of the Holy Ghost revealed impure motives, wrong perception of God, a wicked heart, and bondage to sin. His error should awaken believers to seek genuine spiritual power through righteousness, not selfish ambition.

 

PROMPT MOVEMENT AND REWARD OF SUBMISSION

Texts: Acts 8:26–34; Acts 16:4–12; 2 Corinthians 10:6; Mark 5:1–20; Acts 10:9–48; John 4:1–30;
Matthew 18:12–14; Psalm 68:31; 1 Timothy 2:4; Mark 8:36–37

Philip’s immediate obedience to God’s instruction to go south toward Gaza demonstrates the secret of effective ministry. Successful soul-winning requires unquestioning obedience to divine direction. Like Paul’s Macedonian call, Philip obeyed without full knowledge of God’s plan.

God withdrew Philip from a flourishing Samaritan revival to reach one Ethiopian eunuch, showing His universal love for souls. Further instructions came only after Philip obeyed the initial command. This principle applies to ministry and personal decisions such as marriage, career, and business.

The Ethiopian eunuch, a man of great authority, displayed qualities that attracted God’s favour:

1. He diligently sought God.

2. He had a teachable spirit.

3. He encouraged the preacher.

4. He prioritised his soul above status.

5. He openly confessed faith in Christ.

 

POWERFUL MOVE OF GOD AMONG SINCERE SEEKERS

Texts: Acts 8:35–40; Matthew 5:6; Acts 4:12; John 14:6

Philip preached Jesus from the Scriptures, beginning from Isaiah. The gospel message must always centre on Christ’s redemptive work. Outreach should target both the influential and the poor.

Philip promptly baptized the eunuch after his confession of faith. Water baptism is commanded by Christ and must be done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost by immersion. Through baptism, believers identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

 

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW

1. Why were the Jewish leaders unable to stop the spread of the gospel?

2. What is the significance of the Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion?

3. What were the immediate effects of persecution on the early Church?

4. What should be the main thrust of evangelistic preaching?

5. What is the secret of power evangelism?

6. Why is obedience to divine instruction important?

7. How can believers reach highly placed individuals with the gospel?