Tuesday: Philip in Samaria
Saul, a future apostle and missionary, makes his first appearance in the Bible at the stoning of the deacon Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This wave of persecution only helped further the spread of the gospel.
Read Acts 8:1-6. What was the result of the persecution of the church in Jerusalem?
Samaria was the first stop on the geographical spread of Christianity.
Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com
Samaritans considered themselves descendants of Israelites left behind when Assyria exiled most of the Israelites in 722 B.C. The Jews, however, considered Samaritans to be descendants of foreigners the Assyrians forcibly settled in Israel. Jewish-Samaritan relationships during the New Testament era were marked by tensions and outbreaks of violence. However, as we saw earlier, Jesus had already paved the way for mission work there when He dealt with the woman at the well, who, in turn, began to evangelize
her own people.
Philip’s call to wait on tables now became that of a missionary evangelist to the Samaritans. As a refugee fleeing religious persecution in Jerusalem, he did not waste his time. He proclaimed that the Messiah, awaited by both Jews and Samaritans, had come (Acts 8:5, Acts 8:12).
Read Acts 8:6-15. How successful was Philip’s ministry in Samaria?
Philip was used mightily of the Lord in this early foreign mission field. The statement of the woman at the well, that Jews have no dealings with Samaritans
(John 4:9, NKJV) had now become a thing of the past.
What animosities, grudges, and prejudices that have poisoned your soul need to become things of the past
? Isn’t it time to let it all go?
(28)
Philip might have retreated into hiding and remained undercover and silent until the storm of persecution blew over (Acts 8:1). However the fire of devotion ignited and fueled by the Holy Spirit would not be put out (Acts 6:3-5). Philip’s zeal was redirected to a place where it would be effective (Acts 8:5-8).
The saints of the last days could use such zeal. Some may be hesitant because they have seen others with much zeal make mistakes. Although those without zeal might make few mistakes, they will probably also do very little if anything. It becomes the saints to trust the Lord with their effort and enthusiasm.
To spare oneself and reputation and preserve one’s influence for another time because there might be some present difficulty or inconvenience may seem prudent, but tomorrow is promised to none. Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), and now is the day of harvest (John 4:35). Jesus instructed His followers to work while they can (John 9:4).
We had earlier learnt that none is to be prejudiced along the lines of race, culture, ethnic background, faith etc. Philip enters Samaria and shares the Gospel and we see God uses him to do miracles and great things.The pen of inspiration talks about the strange persecution that will be kindled upon those would zealously preach the third angel's message, but,during this time, it will be doubled.Gospel is not an optional extra for those whose religious taste runs loosely, it is a stark choice with eternal consequences
I must say , now is the time for us proclaim the word of the Lord.We must take the name of Jesus with us. The Harvest is ripe , but the labours are few.The Lord is calling us to proclaim is word.
Who can stop you when you are equipped by the Holy Spirit to work for God!! "And ye shall receive power from on high, after that the Holy Ghost will come upon you and ye shall be witnesses in all the world" (Acts:18).
If you lack enthusiasm; if you use excuses for inactivity; if you see people as obstacles to your mission, pray for the Holy Spirit.
Jesus set out the precedence of engaging with other believers but not SDA rules of engagement. Phillip definitely was impressed by the Holy Spirit by past experience in witnessing that day at the well on the principles of building bridge and successfully getting through in those few hours so does Phillip. No wonder Jesus said "Learn of me for I am meek and humble" Matthew 11:29 and with this spirit we will definitely rise up early in the morning to pray fervently seeking God's leading and insight on how to engage with your target for to miss with a casual attitude by supposing that yesterdays experience should do for the next prospect is naive and sin. Let us take heed of the seriousness of the work for remember SOP states that the Devil always studies bible missionaries carefully to counter his/her work. I wish and pray that God would help us today in witnessing and sharing the light that called us out to His marvelous light.
Praise God that Phillip was used by the Holy Spirit to witness to the Samaritans. Jesus open the door by speaking to the woman at the well show by example that there is no one who can't be reach by sharing the gospel. Many in the last day will have a hunger for the word of God. The bible tells us there will be a faming for the PURE WORD of God. Now is the time to witness for the hour draw near. Time is running out. We must be committed to spreading the Coming of our Lord. Phillip was committed. What about you?
What is made of the fact that the Samaritans didn't received the Holy Spirit 'til Peter and John prayed and layed hands on them, even though they believed and were baptized through Philip? (Acts 8:14-17)