The early church · from Jerusalem to Caesarea, around AD 33-58
Philip the Evangelist in the Bible
The Evangelist of Samaria and the Gaza Road. Name meaning: From the Greek Philippos, “lover of horses”; the Bible calls him “Philip the evangelist” (Acts 21:8) to distinguish him from the apostle Philip
Philip is one of the seven men chosen in Jerusalem to oversee the care of the widows (Acts 6:5). When persecution scatters the church, he preaches Christ in Samaria, then, at an angel’s command, meets an Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza and baptizes him. He settles in Caesarea, where Paul stays at his house: the Bible calls him “Philip the evangelist” (Acts 21:8).
Key moments
- Chosen among the seven to serve the widows Acts 6:5
- He preaches Christ in the city of Samaria Acts 8:5
- Men and women believe and are baptized Acts 8:12
- An angel sends him down the Gaza road Acts 8:26
- He tells the eunuch about Jesus, starting from Isaiah Acts 8:35
- He baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:38
- The Spirit carries him away; he is found at Azotus Acts 8:39–40
- He hosts Paul at his house in Caesarea Acts 21:8
Strengths
- Responsiveness to the Spirit
- Evangelistic zeal
- Availability
- Hospitality
Weaknesses
The Bible records no failing in Philip. His story shows only that an evangelist cannot read hearts: Simon believed and was baptized, but his heart was not right, as Peter said (Acts 8:13, 21).
Lessons for today
- God uses scattering: driven out of Jerusalem, the disciples preach the word wherever they go (Acts 8:1, 4).
- Humble service can prepare the way for a great ministry: chosen to serve widows, Philip became “the evangelist” (Acts 6:5; 21:8).
- Obey the Spirit without knowing what comes next: Philip gets up and goes down a desert road, where a seeker is waiting (Acts 8:26-29).
- Start from Scripture to tell Jesus to someone trying to understand: “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31, 35).
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
People around Philip the Evangelist
- Stephen — Fellow member of the seven, named first on the list
- Peter — Sent with John to Samaria to pray for the new believers
- Simon the sorcerer — A Samaritan sorcerer who believed and was baptized
- The Ethiopian eunuch — An official of Candace, whom he teaches from Isaiah and baptizes
- Paul — Stayed at his house in Caesarea with his companions
- His four daughters — Virgins who prophesied
Stories with Philip the Evangelist
Quiz: how well do you know Philip the Evangelist?
How many men were chosen, with Philip, to oversee the distribution to the widows?
The twelve ask the assembly to choose “seven men” of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Philip is named second, after Stephen. Acts 6:3–5
In which city did Philip preach Christ after the persecution that followed Stephen’s death?
“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” The crowds listened, for they saw the miracles he did. Acts 8:5
Which prophet was the Ethiopian eunuch reading as he sat in his chariot?
The Ethiopian “read Esaias the prophet” (Isaiah): the passage about the sheep led to the slaughter, which Philip explained as he told him about Jesus. Acts 8:28
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.