SUNDAY November 5, 2023
One of the Seven
And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 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. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
Acts 21:7-9
While journeying to Jerusalem, Paul and Luke visited even more brethren along their route. Once more they stopped to enjoy a time of fellowship and eat a meal with them. When Paul came to Caesarea, he stayed at another Christian home––the home of Philip the evangelist.
Notice, Philip had four daughters––prophetesses. All his daughters had the gift of prophecy. The Scriptures also mention that these young women were chaste virgins. What does this tell you about Philip? It reveals that he was a God-fearing father who taught his daughters about purity.
You may remember that Philip was one of the seven chosen with Stephen to serve tables in Acts 6. Paul, previously named Saul, consented to Stephen’s death. How do you think Philip felt seeing Saul of Tarsus in his home? After all these years, they must have had some pretty heavy discussions!
Most likely, they spoke about Stephen’s martyrdom and about Saul, when he traveled on the road to Damascus––his miraculous conversion. Paul, the name he was now known as by the disciples’ of Christ, must have shared stories about his missionary journeys––the salvation of Lydia and her household, and, when he was imprisoned, the salvation of the jailer and his household. Paul was led by the Holy Spirit. God was with him. Philip heard the many things God had accomplished through Paul’s ministry.
As an evangelist, Philip probably spoke with Paul about his success in spreading the Gospel among the Samaritans, and how the Lord used him to explain the Gospel of Christ to an Ethiopian man. Both men were now a part of the same team––amazing––amazing!
Teams are incredible things.
~John C. Maxwell~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
