Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 55

April 20;   Acts 21:8;   110/260(I);   ‘Philip the Evangelist’

Acts 21:8 On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, though he was warned along the way not to go there.  In Caesarea, Paul and his companions stayed in the home of Philip the Evangelist.  He is the only person in the New Testament who is called an Evangelist.  Philip was one of the seven disciples chosen to wait on tables and care for the Hellenist widows (Acts 6).  Philip was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, he also had a good reputation.  He was chosen because of his commitment to the Lord and was faithful to do what he was chosen to do.  Every Christian should have this testimony.  The Lord Jesus has been so good to us.  Obviously we could never repay Him.  In a sense we do, when we obey Him and continue His ministry.  If Philip was never an evangelist, but was faithful helping the widows, he would have been blessed.  As he met their natural needs, many opportunities would have come up for him to help them spiritually.  In Acts 8, when a persecution arose against the Church in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria and preached the Gospel.  Since he was Spirit filled, the power of God flowed through Philip and many people in Samaria were healed.  Once you become a Christian, like Philip, grow in the things of God.  Have a good reputation, based on your conduct, get baptized in the Holy Spirit and by the Word, become full of wisdom.  Be faithful in whatever you are called to do and the Lord will see to it that the Holy Spirit will lead you to fulfill His will for your life.  Many, do not start out doing what they are called by the Lord to do.  Be faithful, seek His will and He will guide you.