Philip, the Deacon and Evangelist - www.seachord.org

Philip, the Deacon and Evangelist                  June 13, 2020

Let’s look at the character, life and person of Philip, the Deacon

Philip was first mention, about A.D. 35-36, and in 3 sections of Book of Acts.  Very little is known about Philip.

Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 

The Hellenists were Jews born out of Palestine. They were so called, because they spoke the Greek language. 

The ‘Hebrews’ were the pure Jews who, not residing necessarily in Palestine, still used the Hebrew Scriptures and spoke the dialect of the sacred tongue then current—the Aramaic. The distinction between the Grecians and the Hebrews was not one of nationality, but of language.

(2)  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 

They are never called deacons, but the Greek word rendered to serve, is the verb form of which the word deacon is the noun. The usual view is that they were deacons.

The start of “deacons”—men who serve.

Serve:  means to be an attendant, use the office of a deacon.

(3)  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 

Seven – means completeness, perfection, and wholeness, used over 700 times in the Bible

Of honest report. a reputation was a guarantee that they would handle the trust faithfully.

Full of the Holy Spirit. Whose lives indicated the fruit of the Spirit.

Of wisdom. Prudence, discretion and judgment would be essential.

Whom we may appoint. The Apostles Ordain Philip into the office.

(4)  but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

This was the Apostles primary purpose.  Observe that the apostles regard prayer of equal importance with preaching, but prayer was mention first.

(5)  And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 

The names are all Greek.  Remember, the Jews to have two names, one Hebrew and the other Greek / Roman

They chose Stephen. He is specially described on account of the glory of martyrdom that so soon followed.

Philip. Distinguished as "Philip the evangelist." The others are not really mentioned again. 2^nd name after Stephen in the group of 7.

Proselyte:  someone who had been converted to Judaism and been circumcised.  A Gentile.

(6)  whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 

Prayed first, then Laid hands on Philip:  Confirm to this office.  Notice Philip received his commission and authority from the apostles.

(7)  Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

“..many of the priests”: They actually converted members of the priesthood. Is this why the Jewish Leadership went after the Church.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

Acts 8:3 But Saul kept trying to destroy the church. Going into one house after another, he began dragging off men and women and throwing them in prison.

Act 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

Scattered saints:  Because of persecution in Jerusalem by Paul

(5)  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 

City of Samaria is north of Jerusalem (on a high hill). Down means going down hill. 

Saul’s persecution drove Philip to Samaria. The Samaritans were looked down upon by the Jews; they were sometimes viewed as: half-Jews or just hated by the Jews.

(6)  And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Philip was quite a speaker and did miracles and healings by the Holy Spirit and received a warm welcome among the Samaritans who came to hear the word.

Remember, Jesus went first to Samaria and talked with the women at the well, then stayed for two days and preached the Kingdom of God.

 (7)  For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 

Unclean spirits {impure spirits} resisted to come out of many who were possessed; Individuals who were paralyzed; and lame were healed; by speaking in the Name of Jesus.

Matthew 7:22  Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'

John 14:12-14 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  (13)  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  (14)  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

(8)  And there was great joy in that city.

The change to the city people brought on by the Gospel, as well as the healing of the sick and afflicted individuals which were restored to health.

Simon the Magician Believes

(9)  But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 

(10)  to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." 

(11)  And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

 (12)  But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 

They believe Philip, {important} preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, faith came by hearing the word.

(13)  Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 

Philip was doing miracles and signs

(14)  Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 

This is big time News.  “...Peter and John”: Always paired together.

(15)  who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 

(16)  For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  

(17)  Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

After baptism, we are to lay hands on the person who was baptize to receive the Holy Spirit.  If this, laying on hands, has not been done, maybe you have not received the Holy Spirit.

Remember, the Apostle Paul had the same situation. 

Acts 19:5-6 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6) When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy.

(18)  And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 

(19)  saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 

Simon offered money! He didn’t ask for the Spirit himself, he wanted the power to give the Spirit.

(20)  But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 

(21)  You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 

(22)  Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 

Simon still had the opportunity to repent

(23)  For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." 

(24)  Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." 

(25)  So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. 

(26)  Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert.

A messenger, angel, spoke with Philip  (just a matter of fact)

(27)  So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

·      Eunuch has great authority

·      Eunuch charge of all her treasure

·      Eunuch came to Jerusalem to worship

(28)  was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 

(29)  Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." 

(30)  So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 

(31)  And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 

(32)  The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER; AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH. 

The passage is from Isaiah 52 & 53

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he didn't open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

(33)  IN HIS HUMILIATION HIS JUSTICE WAS TAKEN AWAY, AND WHO WILL DECLARE HIS GENERATION? FOR HIS LIFE IS TAKEN FROM THE EARTH." 

Isaiah 53:8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. 

(34)  So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" 

(35)  Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 

Preached unto him Jesus” He preached a person: The Lord Jesus

(36)  Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 

(37)  Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 

(38)  So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 

(39)  Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 

An impressive exit

(40)  But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

Azotus = ancient city of Ashdod.

Caesarea: - Political capital of Judea on the coast.  It was built by Herod in honor of Augustus. Between Carmel and Joppa, 55 mi NW of Jerusalem on the Mediterranean.

We lose sight of Philip for a time. 

Paul heading to Jerusalem - About 25 years later – about 60 AD

Act 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. 

You think it was an interesting conversation between the Apostle Paul and Philip, about being forced to flee Jerusalem?

Philip is now listed as an evangelist and probably used his house for the place to meeting.  Well off?

(9)  Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

Philip was married. Daughter’s implication as unmarried. 

Joel 2:28  "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.

Other Women who prophesy Miriam (Ex 15:20,21); Deborah (Judg 4:3-5); Isaiah’s wife (Isa 8:3); Huldah (2 Kgs 22:14-20) are Old Testament examples, and in the New Testament, Elisabeth, Mary, Anna (Luke 2:36), and the four daughters of Philip.

What do we really know about Philip from the Scriptures?

Philip was introduced as a Deacon in Acts 6; and as an evangelist in Acts 21

Philip had these characteristics: 

·      Became a great preacher, a fisherman of individuals

·      He could be trusted with responsibility and authority

·      Of honest report, would handle the trust faithfully.

·      Full of the Holy Spirit. Whose life indicated the fruit of the Spirit.

·      Of wisdom. Prudence, discretion and judgment would be essential.

·      Whom we may appoint. The Apostles Ordain Philip into the office.

·      Philip lived in close touch with his Lord. The Spirit said and Philip heard

·      Philip was absolutely at God’s disposal. Ready for anything

·      Philip was a man of unquestioning obedience.

·      Philip knew how to handle the Word of God.

·      Philip spoke much about the Lord Jesus, always uplifting Jesus in his preaching

·      Philip was able to overcome discouragement.

·      Philip was a man “full of the Holy Spirit through his healing, signs and miracles

·      First preacher of the Gospel in Samaria, after Jesus did women at the well.

·      He knew the will of God and understood how to carry it out in His life

Eusebius Church History  Chapter XXXL

Eusebius wrote:  Renowned, the daughters of Philip for the prophecy gifts. 

Philip and his four virgin daughters who were prophetesses are said to have been buried in Hierapolis, Turkey, Asia. 

To me, Jesus was able to use Philip mightily to bring the Gospel to many, many individuals.  He was a blessing for many, many years.

Book of John 2:1-25

John 2:1-25

Now, we are going to fly through the first few years of Jesus ministry.

The first miracle. The wedding at Cana.

The water of purification (from the Ashes of the Red Heifer).

The first Passover. Cleansing of the Temple  

John 2:1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.   {picture map}

As Joseph is never mentioned as living after Jesus entered upon his ministry, he is supposed to have died before this time. {pict}

3^rd day of the week, Tuesday.  The “third day” is known—among Jewish circles—as the “day of double blessing.” Thus, Jewish weddings are usually done on a Tuesday (the 3rd day of the week)

These Jewish wedding last 7 days. Why, See Gen 1:9-12, 3^rd Day, God said the day was good, twice. Other days, once was good.

John 2:2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 

Jesus and His disciples were invited, suggests that Jesus and His disciples were invited because of Mary, probably the family in Cana was related to Mary and she had some responsibility.   

John 2:3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."

Mary asking Jesus to help when the wine ran out is another indication that she was in some way related to the family holding the wedding.  Jesus and friends might have received a last minute invite and cause a shortage of wine.  Jesus first miracle was making wine.

John 2:4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? {or why do you involve me} My hour has not yet come."

“Woman;” means specifically a wife, a betrothed; actually an expression of respect, gentle and affection; not one of abuse. 

The choice of woman over the word for “mother indicates to Mary she could not exercise her authority over His religious work.

The mother of Jesus is never called Mary in this Gospel. She became John’s "mother".  2 John calls her Lady chosen by God.  John was given stewardship over Mary by Jesus at the Cross, and maybe calling her “Mary” was odd for him and her being older.

It is the same word; mother by which he tenderly addressed his mother when he was on the cross

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he kept loving standing there, he told his mother, "Dear lady, here is your son." (27) Then he told the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

My hour has not yet come seems to mean that the time for Jesus to publicly work miracles, declaring Himself the Messiah, had not yet come

Absence of Joseph: Most commentators believe he had died.

John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

Mary, with some authority (family member – Priestly line) told the servants to do it.

This is probably the last recorded words of Mary in the Bible.

John 2:6 Now there were set there six water jars of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.    {picture}

These water-pots were to supply water {spring or rain} for the washings usual at feasts, to purified themselves with ashes of the red heifer. The Jews were regarded ceremonially unclean if they did not wash both before and after eating.  Probably a Priest Home.

Because the roads were not paved and people wore sandals, water was needed for foot washing. At a large Jewish wedding, a large amount of water would have been required and there were set vessels of various sizes to wash hands and feet in; one vessel was a large pitcher, or basin, out of which the whole company washed their hands and their feet; and there was another was a lesser and beautiful basin, which was set alone for the more honorable persons, as for the bride, and for any gentlewoman; and such might be these six stone jars, or pots:

John 2:7-8 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast {banquet}." And they took it.

The master was the head waiter and responsible for seating the guests and the correct running of the feast.  {Wedding Planner}

Some say this was grape juice, but the problem is Grapes were harvested in the autumn. No refrigeration available, so no grape juice was available in the spring (i.e. Passover, et al.); The Greek word for unfermented grape juice is never used in the NT.

John 2:9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made {or turned into} wine, and {the master} did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom {aside}.

John 2:10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well {or too much to} drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good {best} wine until now!"  {Common practice use less quality wine last}

He tasted the water that had turned to wine: it was excellent wine. The best saved to the last. It doesn’t sound like this was grape juice

John 2:11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

The miracle performed here was to convince the disciples and to make their faith firmer that He is and His miracles point to; He is the Messiah.

This was Jesus’ first recorded miracle after His baptism.

John 2:12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days {for a few days}.  {pictures map}

Cana was in the highlands {mountains} and Capernaum was on the NW shore of the Sea of Galilee, which was below sea level.  Jerusalem, was situated on the top of a hill.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

John 2:13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.   {picture}

Passover: First of four Passovers  after beginning His ministry; This is His first visit as the Messiah.  Remember, Jerusalem was in the high elevation, there we will go up to the City.  {Male Jews must go to Jerusalem during Passover to sacrifice a lamb}.

John 2:14  And He found in the temple {courts} those who {people} sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers {siting at their tables} doing business.  {pictures}

In the Court of the Gentiles, which was within the temple walls.

The priests made a monopoly of it and installed selling of the animal and money changer right in the temple courtyard.  Money changers would sit, the seller of animals would stand.

Money changers and selling of animals were necessary; they were just in the wrong place; inside a place of worship of the Temple.  Because of the large crowds who came to Jerusalem to sacrifice, this would have been proper enough if it had been conducted at stockyards.

For profit, the people had to pay a half-shekel annually to support the Temple, could not use Roman money, had to use and was furnished Jewish coin at a heavy exchange charge or rate.  The Priest alone cleared about $300,000 per year in this exchange.

Matthew 21:13 He told them, "It is written, 'My house is to be called a house of prayer,' but you are turning it into a hideout for bandits {or den of thieves}!"

John 2:15-16 When He had made a whip {out} of cords, He drove them all out of the temple {courts}, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out {or scattered} the changers' money and overturned the tables. (16) And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" {or a marketplace}

·      The court of the Gentiles is a very large area, probably took some time. 

·      Jesus drove them all out, men and animals, was it from the terror or anger from God, that fell upon them.

·      Jesus was cleaning His house for Passover.

·      He did not do it in a flash of anger. He carefully took the time to make a whip of cords,

·      So much money, no wonder the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus.

·      Jesus did this 3 years later at the close of His Ministry because they did it again.  {Mat 21:12}

Notice; My Father: Not Our Father:  The expression My Father’s house was a distinct claim to Messiahship.  Jesus just said He is the Son of God and claiming to be the Messiah.

Most people have the impression that Jesus was only meek, gentle and compassionate.  Here we see him in a different light—as the “wrath of the lamb!”

John 2:17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume {has eaten} me."

Zeal of your house

Psalms 69:9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.

The disciples understood that Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah.  The Jewish did not really do anything against Jesus.

John 2:18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?"

The Jewish officials demand some sign or authority that would demonstrate that he had authority over the Temple to close down the market.  They require a miracle, to confirm a miracle. This time they only ask a sign, but next appearance at Jerusalem they sought to kill Him for speaking of His Father

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

Jesus was talking about His own body. The sign that he would give the Jewish nation was his Resurrection.

The Jews did not understand him, nor his own disciples, until after he rose from the dead.  The Jews think Jesus was referring to the Temple buildings.

John 2:20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"

It had been forty-six years since Herod the Great started upgrading (about 18 BC) began the reconstruction of the physical Temple, and it was not yet entirely completed. 46 years suggest this time around 28 AD.  When Jesus was on trial before the Sanhedrim, these words were brought up as blasphemy.

The Temple construction continued thirty - six years longer, till within six or seven years of the destruction of the state, city, and temple by the Romans in 70 AD.  If Jesus was born around 2 BC, this would make Him around 30 or priesthood age.

John 2:21 But He {Jesus} was speaking of the Temple of His body.

Notice Jesus also think of His body as a Temple

Yet, seven times the Scriptures also declare, “Ye are the Temple of God.” (1 Cor 3:9-17; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20,21; Heb 3:6; 1 Pet 2:5; 1 Pet 4:17).

Matthew 12:39-40 But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. (40) For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

John 2:22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

This happen 3 years after when disciples remembered he had said this, to them and believed after he rose from the dead.

Psalms 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

Jesus Knows What Is in Man

John 2:23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs {He was performing, miracles} which He did.

The miracles Jesus did, they saw at this time are not recorded in the Scriptures.  They are alluded to again in John 3:2.

Many believed that he was a man / teacher / promised Messiah sent from God, but did not really trust or believe in him to the salvation of their souls: 

Faith growing out of miracles would be likely cease when the miracles ceased. For ‘miracles’ must have and read signs,

Jesus took occasion to work miracles, and to preach at that time, for a great multitude were present from all parts of Judea. It was a favorable opportunity for making known God doctrines and showing the evidence that he was the Christ.

John 2:24 But Jesus did not commit {or entrust} Himself to them, because He knew all men {or people}.

For we find that their hearts were not at all changed, because Jesus could not trust or commit himself to them, because He knew the fickleness and inconstancy of the people.  He knew how easily they might be turned against him by the Jewish leaders.

These individuals trusted Jesus, but Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, who trust only because of miracles. Remember when all the disciples left him except for the 120.

We can love people without entrusting ourselves to them

John 2:25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in {each person or} man.

In man - Namely, a desperately deceitful heart.

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

Jesus knows the hearts of people. He reads people like we read billboards, another indication of His deity.  God alone was said to know the hearts of all people,  Jesus still loves individuals and gave himself as a sacrifice.

1 Kings 8:39 then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men),