| A few weeks ago we looked at the life of Philip, the apostle chosen in the initial twelve disciples. We noted then that there was another Philip in the New Testament. Here he is, one of the seven deacons elected by the early church. Like Stephen, we remember this Philip by his ministry in Samaria and to the Ethiopian officer rather than his work as a deacon. Christ had told the disciples to preach the Gospel throughout the world. But instead of moving out, they had congregated mostly in Jerusalem and it took the persecution which arose around the time of Stephen's death to force them out. Philip went down to Samaria. He was a Jew but he had a burden for the lost and that included the people in Samaria. That was a place no self-respecting Jew would ever go to if he could help it. But Philip knew Jesus Christ and Christ led him to go to this unlikely spot. The result was a wonderful time of blessing. Then just as the new Christians were being helped by the teaching ministry of Peter and John, Philip was suddenly called away. God had seen a hungry heart, a man from Africa leaving Jerusalem obviously without having found what he had expected. All he had to show for his visit was a copy of the Scriptures, but he was reading that carefully without understanding it. Philip was so effective in sharing the Gospel that the man was immediately converted and asked for baptism as a sign of his new faith. Who knows what influence he might have when he finally reached home! Then another sudden move and Philip went on to other towns preaching the good news. We last see him in Caesarea and we learn he had several daughters who were also teachers of the Gospel. Paul stayed with him on at least one occasion.(Acts 21 :8) What a happy time of memories and fellowship they must have shared. It all began because Philip had found Christ and was willing to serve Him in any capacity and anywhere. What an example he has left behind for us. | 
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