After the martyrdom of Stephen, persecution “arose against the church in Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1). Except for the apostles, many believers were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Another man chosen for service took this opportunity to journey to Samaria. His name was Philip. Persecution or prejudice would not prevent him from traveling there to preach the good news of salvation. Philip was truly a servant, called of God, confident in that calling and confirmed by his service.

First of all, Philip proved himself as a qualified servant of God. The church in Jerusalem selected deacons who were “men of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Philip was chosen because the church saw leadership capabilities in his attitudes and actions. Philip was ready to serve the Lord as an evangelist, because he practiced his Christianity before the church and community.

Secondly, Philip presented himself as an obedient servant of God. Philip proclaimed “Christ” to the Samaritans (Acts 8:5). Many listened to the words of Philip and saw miracles performed by him through the power of the Holy Spirit. After tremendous success in Samaria, God sent Philip to a desert to win one soul for Christ. “Go” to this inquisitive individual was the word indicated by the Holy Spirit, and Philip “ran” to help the Ethiopian Eunuch to understand what he was reading in God’s Word (Acts 8:29-30). Before many or before one, Philip utilized his gift of evangelism.

Finally, as a loyal servant of God, Philip “the evangelist” (Acts 21:8) provided hospitality to Paul and his traveling companions in his house in Caesarea. Evangelistic work can be done effectively right in one’s home. Philip taught his four daughters about Jesus, and they became prophetesses for the Lord. His home became the place where Christians could retreat from their weary travels and refresh themselves with wisdom from the evangelist. Paul, Luke and other disciples stayed with Philip “for some days” (Acts 21:10). His home was a haven of encouragement and exhortation.

All preachers are called to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). But all preachers are not evangelists. The calling of the evangelist is to help the leaders to build the church by winning lost souls to Christ. All believers are exhorted to witness, but not all believers are evangelists. There are certain people who possess this specific gift of evangelism. God “gave some as evangelists” (Ephesians 4:11). These individuals have the ability to connect with others personally, and they are able to share clearly and concisely the good news of salvation.

The ministry of Philip was extremely effective. He left a trail of “joy” wherever he traveled (Acts 8:8, 39). Philip preached the “good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” to the Samaritans (Acts 8:12). He “preached Jesus” to the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:35), Then when Philip traveled to Caesarea, he “preached the gospel” as he passed through many cities (Acts 8:40). This is the goal of the evangelist. He journeys from place to place to present Jesus and the Gospel to people who want to listen.

May God help Christians to understand that evangelists are still necessary in the body of Christ, the church. Their ministry is vital for the growth of Church membership. Their example can inspired others to witness about their relationship with Jesus Christ and ignite revival in stagnant churches. Let every believer pray that God will continue to call evangelists like Philip to serve Him in the church, in the community and in the world.

Rob Zapotoski