Acts 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."
Philip the evangelist was originally Philip the deacon...or at least that is the way we would term him today. Originally chosen as one of the seven men who would care for the daily distribution among the saints in Acts 6. These were men of good reputation, fully of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. As you continue to read the book of Acts you will discover that it doesn't take Philip long to progress as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Stephen was another one of those men that was chosen to serve the community of believers. He was also the first person recorded as performing signs and wonders that wasn't listed as an apostle. Although there isn't any biblical record about the other 5, we find that Stephen and Philip we used greatly in the kingdom of God. Stephen became a martyr for the faith while Philip went on to be an evangelist. Both men brought great glory to God.
I'm talking about Philip today because he is a great example of what can happen when we allow the grace of God to have its perfect work in us. Philip could have been content to "serve tables" as the apostles considered it but his faith was one of progression. Don't get me wrong, it's O.K. to serve in a particular area for a number of years as long as God isn't calling you to do something greater. Far too many of us can become content to serve in our little niche - never reaching for more of God's ability. But this isn't the case in Philip's life.
Another interesting aspect of Philip's life is that he had 4 virgin daughters who prophesied. Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, felt that was something we needed to hear. We needed to know that Philip the evangelist was one of the seven and that he had 4 prophesying daughters. Why do you think God in His wisdom wanted to convey this information to us? I believe it's because God wanted us to see the enablement of grace in Philip and his family.
Here's what you need to know: As you allow the grace of God to flow into your life it will affect your family. This is especially important for the men - the spiritual leaders of the home. The Christian family needs men of grace (men of God's ability) who can be equipped and further equip their children.
When you think of an evangelist, what picture enters your mind? I wouldn't be surprised if you have the same picture as the rest of the world. Does the guy in your picture have on a blue leisure suit? A bad comb-over? Is he a larger that life figure with a booming voice and sweat pouring off of him? I was once told that I didn't "look" like a preacher. Although I'm not sure how to take it, I did say "Thanks!" The point I'm wanting to make is that we have in Acts 21 of an evangelist with a family. Here's a man with a home and four daughters. Philip was a man who experienced the grace of God in his own life and his own home.
Next Saturday, PBC will be holding our 3rd annual Ironman Conference. This is an opportunity to equip men in our church and community. The conference will start at 10am - break for lunch - and finish around 3pm. You never know...the next "Philip" may be one of those men who comes to be equipped and then equips their family to serve God as well.
Pray that you have a blessed weekend.
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