Life in the Spirit

I am a part a group of men who meet every Thursday morning at the great hour of 5am.  Currently, we are walking verse by verse through Acts.  This morning was especially interesting as it relates to walking in the Spirit from the life of Philip from Acts 6, 8, & 21.

In Acts 6 we are introduced to Philip as one of the 7 chosen to serve widows.  He is not the same person as the Philip of the 12.  According to 6:3 we know that Philip is a man of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom.  Of all of the men in the Jerusalem church, he stood out as a man among the top 7 in godliness.  He was marked by Christ.

We meet him again in Acts 8:4-8.  It is here that where we see that he is the first missionary of the Jerusalem church who begins to fulfill Jesus words in Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV.  He is the first to take the gospel to Samaria.  What did he do when he got there: Proclaimed Christ, did signs, unclean spirits came out, and the paralyzed and lame walked again (does that sound like anyone you might know?).  All of this is said to have brought much joy to the city.  The Spirit of God will do that when he comes upon a place.  Our cities need joy again.  Our cities need men like Philip.

We see the next unique thing with Philip in Acts 8:26-40.  Here is the synopsis:

• Angel Speaks to him and tells him to go walk on a road (8:26)
• Philip walks obediently on the road (8:27)
• Sees an Ethiopian (8:27-28)
• Spirit speaks this time to Philip (8:29)
• Philip runs in obedience (8:30)
• Philip listens first before speaking (8:30)
• Philip asks an appropriate questions (8:30)
• Philip opens his mouth and explains the scripture (8:31-35)
• Philip baptizes the Ethiopian (8:36-38)
• Philip is carried away by the Spirit (8:39-40)
• Philip goes up the coastline preaching the gospel in the towns before settling in Caesarea. (8:40)

We last meet him in Acts 21:7-9.  Philip has settled in Caesarea, we know he is married and has 4 daughters who prophesied.  He and his family show hospitality to Paul's missionary crew by letting them stay in his home.  Can you just imagine the depth of spiritual conversations in that house?  He is called Philip the evangelist.  What a great name to be called.  You don't get a name like that by remaining silent about Christ.

Then the Bible is silent on him after that.  What an example though.  It is clear that he walked with God.  He walked in the Spirit's leadership.  That is so what I need today.