When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brethren, we stayed with them for a day. On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.
Acts 21:7-9
Every Christian has a story to tell about the way Jesus became real to them. And we are commissioned by Jesus to share that story with others. We many not be a professional speaker, but we are each called to give testimony of the grace of God in our lives. Philip the evangelist was one who took the calling seriously.
On his final stop before Jerusalem, Paul stayed with the evangelist Philip. Philip was one of the seven superintendents appointed to administer the charities of the church. How exciting for the amazing Apostle to meet the amazing Evangelist. Philip’s early ministry was one of both almoner and one-on-one evangelist, different from Paul was one who was spreading the gospel by delivering public addresses. In his latter years, it appears his ministry shifted seeming obscurity raising his children in Caesarea. Most impressive to me is that his four daughters were prophetesses and serving God with their gifts.
Am I aware of the great saints and their value to the kingdom, when I meet them? Are my sons and daughters serving God with their gifts?
God, thank you for the opportunities You have given me thus far. I praise You for the children in my care and that they are now young adults. I pray each one will know each day that they have opportunities to become who You desire them to be and to fulfill the Divine purposes in their lives. I see in Philip’s life there were seasons. Help me discern the seasons of my life and transition well.
P.s. I like reading the resolutions of pastor Jonathan Edwards. This one for instance… defines for me what “Passionate Commitment” looks like: Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
