Willmington, Harold

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Liberty UniversityScholars CrossingNew Testament Biographies A Biographical Study of Individuals of the Bible10-2018A Biographical Study of Philip the EvangelistHarold WillmingtonLiberty University, hwillmington@liberty.eduFollow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/nt_biographiesPart of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought,Theology and Philosophy of Religion CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the A Biographical Study of Individuals of the Bible at Scholars Crossing. It has been acceptedfor inclusion in New Testament Biographies by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contactscholarlycommunication@liberty.edu.Recommended CitationWillmington, Harold, "A Biographical Study of Philip the Evangelist" (2018). New Testament Biographies. 10.https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/nt_biographies/10Philip the Evangelist CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY I. The deacon in Jerusalem—“Philip was one of seven men chosen by the early church to serve in the office of a deacon. A. The reason for this election—“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables”  (Acts 6:1-2). B. The requirements for this election—“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:3-4).  “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip . . .” (Acts 6:5a). II. The evangelist in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8) A. The message he preached—“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:5). B. The miracles he performed—“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:6-8). III. The soul winner in Gaza (Acts 8:26-40) A. His message from an angel—“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert” (Acts 8:26).  B. His ministry to a eunuch 1. The charge of the eunuch—“And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship” (Acts 8:27).   2. The confusion of the eunuch a. The passage—“Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:28, 32-33). b. The problem—“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,  and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? . . . And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?” (Acts 8:29-30, 34) 3. The clarification to the eunuch—“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). C. The conversion of the eunuch—“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:36-37). D. The confession of the eunuch—“And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38-39). IV. The family man in Caesarea—“But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea” (Acts 8:40). A. The visitors to Philip’s home—“And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him” (Acts 21:8). B. The virgins in Philip’s home—“And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” (Acts 21:9).  STATISTICS First mention: Acts 6:5 Final mention: Acts 21:8 Meaning of his name: “Lover of horses” Frequency of his name: Referred to 16 times Biblical books mentioning him: One book (Acts) Occupation: Evangelist Place of death: Probably Caesarea Important fact about his life: He led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ in the desert of Gaza.  

A Biographical Study of Philip the Evangelist

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A Biographical Study of Philip the Evangelist

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