Philip, a man who was known for his good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom – he was a man who waited tables in Jerusalem.
Acts 6:3
Stephen (one of those same men who waited tables with the same qualifications) had been stoned to death. After that great persecution broke out against followers of Christ.
Philip left Jerusalem and headed north to Samaria. He proclaimed Christ and the crowds came to him. Acts 8:4-6
Then one day, an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a desert road.)” Acts 8:26
That was it…those were the instructions…and Philip got up and went. That’s obedience to God’s words. How often do you read God’s words and pass over God’s message to you?
Obedience is important for you and perhaps another’s life will be changed because of your obedience!
On that road was a eunuch in a chariot, who was an important official from Ethiopia. As he sat in a chariot reading aloud from Isaiah, he didn’t understand the prophet’s words.
Philip asked a simple, logical question:
(NASB) Acts 8:30 “Do you understand what you are reading?”
What was the response of the Ethiopian eunuch?
(NASB) Acts 8:31 “And he said, ‘Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”
Did you notice that Philip acted on God’s instructions one step at a time? And he did not procrastinate…he immediately obeyed. He didn’t think or say, ‘I’ll do that tomorrow.’
Perhaps you need to step out in faith and take the next step today.
Did you notice? The eunuch was reading aloud. Many times reading something aloud helps to bring understanding of what you are reading.
Philip heard what the Ethiopian official was reading and asked a simple, direct question.
“Do you understand what you are reading?”
Philip did not force himself on that important official. He used God’s directions; he used a simple, straightforward question. The official invited him into the chariot – Philip did not try to manipulate the situation.
Because of concern for others, how do you approach them? Are you considered obnoxious, overbearing, or are you tactful and have godly love for others?
Remember: Philip had a good reputation; he was a godly man who was filled with the Holy Spirit of God and also had godly wisdom. Are you like Philip in those ways?
~ Take it to heart ~
Godly wisdom asks simple, logical questions.
Godly wisdom is first of all pure (undefiled), peace-loving (not causing friction and unrest), gentle (courteous, considerate), reasonable (willing to yield to reason/logic), full of mercy and full of good fruit, impartial, unwavering (free from doubts) and sincere (without hypocrisy).
James 3:17