Philip Travels to Samaria

[Acts 8:5-8 NIV] 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

Philip is a personal name meaning “fond of horses.” He was a Grecian Jew. Acts 6:5 he is called to be one of the first deacons. According to Acts 8:5-13, he took the gospel to Samaria. In Acts 8:26-38, he introduced the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ and baptized him. He was a resident of Caesarea. He lost his sight. Acts 21:8 is the last time he is spoken of with Paul in Jerusalem. Philip had four daughters who were prophetesses. (Acts 21:9)[1]

Philip obtained the Holy Spirit during Pentecost. The Holy Spirit dwelling in him brought about healing the lame and sending impure spirits out of the people. Jesus taught his followers to pray. He prayed many times, leading by example.

What does your life show to those looking from a distance? Can you make more positive changes? Will you make more positive changes? In a few weeks, Saul will make another appearance. He is an example of changes that can be made when trust and faith are placed in God.

Bibliography

Powell, Paul. “Philip,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1260. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Toussaint, Stanley D. “Acts.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 349-432. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

[1] Paul Powell, “Philip,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1260.