Philip was enjoying a great revival in Samaria. Crowds were listening, people were healed, and there was great joy in the city. Then an angel told him to go south to a desert road. On that road traveled an important official from Ethiopia, the treasurer of Queen Candace. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship and was riding home reading the prophet Isaiah. For many African families in our church, this story is especially dear. It shows God’s love for Africa from the very first pages of church history, and it teaches us how to share Jesus one person at a time.
Led to One Person
The angel of the Lord told Philip to go toward Gaza, a desert road. Philip arose and went. He did not argue that the city was more important than the desert. Then the Spirit said, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. Philip ran to obey. God cares about crowds, but He also cares about one person. Jesus told of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost (Luke 15:4). Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). God still speaks to His people, often through His Word and a quiet nudge in the heart, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it (Isaiah 30:21). Philip’s quick obedience put him in the right place at the right time.
What nudge from God have you been putting off, maybe a call, a visit or a message, and when exactly this week will you obey it?
Beginning With the Scripture
Philip heard the man reading Isaiah aloud and asked, Understandest thou what thou readest? The man humbly answered that he could not understand unless someone guided him. He was reading about a lamb led to the slaughter, silent before its shearers (Isaiah 53:7-8). He asked whether the prophet spoke of himself or of someone else. Then Philip opened his mouth, began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Jesus had done the same with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining from all the Scriptures the things about Himself (Luke 24:27). The whole Bible points to Jesus. Philip did not need a long program. He started where the man was. People cannot believe in one of whom they have not heard, and they cannot hear without someone telling them (Romans 10:14).
Which Bible verse best explains to you who Jesus is, and how will you practice sharing it simply with a friend or family member this week?
Going On His Way Rejoicing
As they traveled, they came to some water. The Ethiopian asked, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? He commanded the chariot to stand still, and Philip baptized him. Jesus had commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations and baptize them (Matthew 28:19). When they came up out of the water, the Spirit caught Philip away, and the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing. Long before, the psalmist had said Ethiopia would stretch out her hands unto God (Psalm 68:31). Here that hope began to come true. The man went home to Africa without Philip, but not alone. He carried the Scriptures, the joy of salvation and the Lord Himself. Real faith does not depend on staying near the preacher. It goes home and grows (Colossians 2:6-7).
What is one step of obedience, such as baptism, joining a class or a family devotion, that you have delayed and will now take this month?
Conclusion
God moved Philip from a busy revival to a lonely road so that one seeking man could meet Jesus. Philip obeyed quickly, started from the Scripture the man was reading, and preached Jesus, the Lamb of God. The Ethiopian believed, was baptized and went home rejoicing. This story reminds us that Christ is the heart of every page of the Bible, and that He loves every nation, including the peoples of Africa. He may be sending you to one person this week. Be ready to go.
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