Spreading the Message

Neville Turley

How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news. Romans 10: 15 (GNB)

Philip was one of seven deacons ordained by the Apostles, at the request of the Greek-speaking Jews. (Acts 6:5-6)  Philip made a big impact in Samaria as an evangelist and brought great joy to that city. (Acts 8:6-8)

An angel told Philip to go out to the desert road and intercept the carriage of the chief treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia, who was on his way from Jerusalem to Gaza.

Philip did as he was told.  The Bible draws a wonderful word picture of Philip running alongside the carriage, where the royal official was sitting reading from Isaiah.  “Like a sheep that is taken to be slaughtered, like a lamb that makes no sound when its wool is cut off, he did not say a word.  He was humiliated and justice was denied him.  No one will be able to tell about his descendants, because his life on earth has come to an end.”  (Acts 8:32-33)

“Do you understand what you are reading?” asked Philip.  “How can I understand unless someone explains it to me” replied the official.

He then invited Philip to sit in the carriage and Philip explained the good news about Jesus to him.  They came to a place where there was some water and the official asked to be baptised.  After Philip had done so they parted company, never to meet again.  The Spirit of the Lord took Philip away whilst the official went on his way full of glory.

Two people, led by the Holy Spirit, sharing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  One explaining the way and the other accepting and committing his life to the Lord.

This scenario has been re-enacted countless times over the ages.  It happens when believers, like you and me, share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.  By so doing we bring glory to the one who laid down his life for us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we, guided by the Holy Spirit, be your messengers, spreading the good news of the Gospel through our actions and words.  For Jesus Sake. Amen.