WATCHWORD:
26 But as for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go over to the road that runs from Jerusalem through the Gaza Desert, arriving around noon.” 27 So he did, and who should be coming down the road but the Treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was now returning in his chariot, reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the chariot.” 30 Philip ran over and heard what he was reading and asked, “Do you understand it?” 31 “Of course not!” the man replied. “How can I when there is no one to instruct me?” And he begged Philip to come up into the chariot and sit with him. 32 The passage of Scripture he had been reading from was this:“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before the shearers, so he opened not his mouth; 33 in his humiliation, justice was denied him; and who can express the wickedness of the people of his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Was Isaiah talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So Philip began with this same Scripture and then used many others to tell him about Jesus. 36 As they rode along, they came to a small body of water, and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 37 “You can,” Philip answered, “if you believe with all your heart.” And the eunuch replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 He stopped the chariot, and they went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:26-38
Meditation:
Who Was Philip? Part II
Philip was a young man, probably a teenager when he received Jesus’ call to follow, and it was a change of life event for him. He was a fisherman from Bethsaida, an acquaintance of Andrew and Peter, and probably one of the growing crowd of young men that went to nearby Capernaum to listen to the rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth, who was drawing so much attention with his teachings.
Philip was a man with a warm heart and a pessimistic head. He was one who would very much like to do something for others, but rarely knew how it could be done. Yet, this simple Galilean gave all he had. In return, God transformed him into a true teacher and missionary to Greece, Syria and parts of Phrygia.
History notes that there may be confusion between Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist. So, it is uncertain which Philip we see leading the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ; or if he partnered with Peter in establishing churches in Samaria, or worked with Paul and the church in Caesarea. Was Philip the Apostle one of the seven ordained deacons, appointed and given authority, at a critical time in the growth of the Christian church? Some authoritative sources attribute these events to the disciple of Jesus, but other sources refute that claim.
We do know that Philip spent time in Antioch, where he taught with Barnabas, in a newly founded church where, because it was a mix of Greek and Jew, they adopted the title “Christian” for the first time. It was also here that Philip stressed the cross as a sign of Christianity and victory.
In modern lingo, Philip flew under a sometimes confusing radar. Certainly not as visible as Paul or Peter, or, for that matter, John. But, his influence in many ways was immense. He died a martyr at Hierapolis by hanging, upside down on a cross. It is said that while he was dying, he requested that his body be wrapped not in linen but in papyrus for he was not worthy that even his dead body should be treated as the body of Jesus had been treated.
The symbol of Philip is a basket, because of his part in the feeding of the five thousand. So, do we really know Philip? Maybe it doesn’t matter. We know enough to understand that both Philips were dedicated disciples of Christ, who lived lives striving to imitate the Lord. That would make either a worthy model of the Christian life. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Last year was quite a year, a bit better than the previous one, but still we had our share of challenges. It has been very encouraging that Watchwords have given you a sense of peace in whatever storms you have faced during the year. The content of Watchwords emanates from inspiration born of Scripture, Devotional readings, and prayer, and each is meant to encourage and give you a sense of peace. I have selected a few favorite meditations from the 265 Watchwords posted in 2021 to add to Favorites on the website. Please feel free to download these, print and pass them on.
Dedication Prayer:
Dear God, I am determined to commit my total life into your service; I will serve you always. Please give me your grace and empowerment to faithfully follow you, so that I can prosper in all my ways. Please give me all it takes to remain your true child forever! For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
