April 8, 2001
Witnessing Beyond Jerusalem
Acts 8

KEY VERSE: They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. -- Acts 8:4

Fortunately for us who are Gentiles, the good news of the gospel was proclaimed everywhere by the early believers. What they had experienced was too good to keep to themselves; they had to tell others!

Philip was one of those who left Jerusalem to share Christ with others. Three lessons we may learn from Philip are these:

  1. Philip was obedient. He did not witness to every person he met on his journey. He waited until the Spirit prompted him to engage another person. Even then, he kept his mouth shut as he approached the chariot of the eunuch. First he sized up the situation, then waited until he had an opportunity to ask the man a question. Many of us would be more effective in witnessing for Christ if we were willing to keep quiet until the Spirit gives us an opening to speak.
  2. Philip began with the man where he was, helping him to understand the scripture which he was reading. His approach was warm and winsome. We know this because the eunuch was not offended, but quickly invited Philip to ride in the chariot with him. Philip established a friendly relationship so that the eunuch not only accepted him but wanted to know what he had to say. Until people want to know what we think, we are hardly ready to witness effectively to them. The eunuch felt no condemnation from Philip; indeed he welcomed his help.
  3. Philip shared Christ with the eunuch. When the time was right, Philip did not hesitate to tell the man about Jesus. He did not pussyfoot around. He shared the essential truth of the gospel with the man. Soon the eunuch asked to be baptized. Notice that this was not Philip’s idea, but the eunuch’s.

We may learn from this. Often the Spirit will guide another person’s mind and heart if we will but give Him a chance. Sometimes all that is required is for us to listen and quietly pray while the Spirit does His work in another’s heart. When we are so wise, the result is that people may "go on their way rejoicing" because they met Christ through our testimony.

Philip’s example in witnessing for Christ is worth imitating!