Character Study Of Philip The Evangelist Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF PHILIP THE EVANGELIST – PREACHER TO THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 8:5-8, 26-40

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did." (Acts 8:5-6, NKJV)

Supporting Texts: Acts 6:5, Acts 21:8-9, Matthew 28:19-20

INTRODUCTION

Philip the Evangelist was one of the seven deacons chosen in the early church to assist the apostles. He later became a powerful evangelist, spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. His ministry was marked by miracles, divine guidance, and a passion for winning souls. His most famous encounter was with the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrating how God uses willing vessels to reach the lost.

1. PHILIP WAS A MAN OF GOOD CHARACTER AND FAITH

a) He was full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5)

Philip was among the seven men chosen for church service because of his strong faith and spiritual maturity.

b) He was trusted with responsibility (Acts 6:3)

The apostles needed men of integrity, and Philip met the criteria of being full of wisdom and the Spirit.

c) He was a servant before becoming an evangelist (Acts 6:5-6)

Philip started as a deacon before being called into evangelism, showing that faithfulness in small roles leads to greater assignments.

d) He was obedient to God’s call (Acts 8:5)

When persecution scattered the believers, Philip immediately went to Samaria to preach Christ.

e) Biblical Example: Stephen, a fellow deacon (Acts 7:55-60)

Like Stephen, Philip was full of faith and used by God mightily.

2. PHILIP WAS A POWERFUL EVANGELIST IN SAMARIA

a) He preached Christ boldly (Acts 8:5)

Philip proclaimed Jesus to the people of Samaria without fear.

b) His preaching was accompanied by signs and miracles (Acts 8:6-7)

His ministry was powerful, as demons were cast out and the sick were healed.

c) He brought joy to an entire city (Acts 8:8)

The people of Samaria rejoiced because of the transformation that came through his preaching.

d) He ministered to people of all backgrounds (Acts 8:9-12)

He converted both ordinary people and influential figures like Simon the Sorcerer.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus ministering to the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26)

Like Jesus, Philip reached out to the Samaritans, breaking cultural barriers with the Gospel.

3. PHILIP WAS LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EVANGELISM

a) He was sensitive to God’s direction (Acts 8:26)

The angel of the Lord instructed Philip to go to the desert, and he obeyed without hesitation.

b) He approached the Ethiopian eunuch with boldness (Acts 8:29-30)

The Spirit directed him to the eunuch’s chariot, and he immediately engaged in conversation.

c) He used Scripture to explain Jesus (Acts 8:32-35)

Philip began with Isaiah 53, leading the eunuch to understand Christ’s sacrifice.

d) He guided the eunuch to salvation and baptism (Acts 8:36-38)

The Ethiopian eunuch believed in Jesus and was baptised immediately.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10:19-20)

Like Peter, Philip obeyed the Spirit’s prompting, leading to a divine encounter.

4. PHILIP EXPERIENCED SUPERNATURAL TRANSPORTATION

a) After the baptism, Philip was taken away by the Spirit (Acts 8:39)

God supernaturally transported Philip to another location after completing his mission.

b) He continued preaching in other regions (Acts 8:40)

Philip travelled through various cities, spreading the Gospel.

c) He was not limited by circumstances (Acts 8:40)

Despite being removed from Samaria, he continued to obey God's calling.

d) His evangelistic mission covered a wide area (Acts 8:40)

He preached from Azotus to Caesarea, reaching many with the Good News.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah being carried by the Spirit (1 Kings 18:12)

Like Philip, Elijah experienced supernatural movement by God’s power.

5. PHILIP WAS A FAMILY MAN WHO RAISED GODLY CHILDREN

a) He settled in Caesarea (Acts 21:8)

Philip later made Caesarea his home and continued in ministry.

b) He was known as "Philip the Evangelist" (Acts 21:8)

By this time, he was recognised as a key evangelist in the early church.

c) He raised daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9)

Philip’s four daughters were prophetesses, showing that he passed on his faith to the next generation.

d) He maintained a lasting impact in the church (Acts 21:8-9)

Decades after his initial ministry, he remained faithful to his calling.

e) Biblical Example: Timothy, who was raised in faith by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5)

Like Timothy’s family, Philip ensured that his children served the Lord.

STRENGTHS OF PHILIP

1. Full of faith and the Holy Spirit – He was chosen for his strong character.

2. Bold evangelist – He preached with power and performed miracles.

3. Obedient to the Holy Spirit – He followed divine instructions without hesitation.

4. Effective teacher – He explained Scripture clearly, leading others to Christ.