“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:30-31 (NIV)

The Aliyah or homecoming or airlift of the Ethiopian Jews made worldwide headlines in the 1980s as God continued to gather His people the Jews back to their land, just as He promised He would many centuries ago. However, for these Ethiopian Falashas, this was only the beginning of acclimatising to a new environment. On reaching their destination, the modern state of Israel, they had to be inducted into the Israeli society. One interesting story that emerged was that of some Ethiopian Jews refusing to deny that Jesus is the Messiah even when threatened by Jewish officials with withholding of tractors and fertilisers that they would need for their crops. It turned out that these unrepentant Messianic Jews were the products of Philip’s divine encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch two millennia ago. Philip was in God’s hand thus able to achieve the lofty height that we all should aspire to as Christians – kingdom significance and has remained relevant two thousand years after the conclusion of his earthly ministry.

The bible clearly stated that it was through the particular ministry of Apostle Paul that the Gospel was introduced to Europe. Legend also has it that the Apostle Thomas took the Gospel to India where the fruit of his ministry survives to this day. Yet, few people talk about the transformational and cutting edge nature of Philip’s ministry as well as his enduring achievements or give him the recognition he evidently deserved. When Phillip was moved in the power of God to minister in Samaria, the church leadership were caught flatfooted and had to play catch up because of their narrower outlook on life and fuzzy picture of God’s plan for the Church. God knew that Philip was broadminded enough that He once again chose him as his instrument to spread the message of the Gospel to Africa. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the lasting product of that brief encounter. This simply proves Henry Varley’s assertion that the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to His will.

So, what was the secret behind this stupendous ministry? The key is the passage that first introduces him to us. Philip was described as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and may I add that he was also very sensitive and obedient to God’s leading. God knew that He could trust Philip to do His bidding, however controversial, and the result was the significance he conferred on his life. God did with Philip what He did with only a few people. He miraculously teletransported Philip from that encounter to Azotus. From here, he joyfully continued on his glorious and eventful journey to the city of Caesarea, where he settled, raised a godly family and continued his powerful ministry as a full fledged evangelist. His wandering days might be over, but God was not yet finished with him. There still exist vacancies in heaven for modern day Philips who would give their all for God. Would you dare to apply?

Prayer:
Lord, you word assures me that you desire for me to bear fruits and that they should abide. I know that with you leading me, this can be the only outcome. I surrender my life into your capable hands. Use me for your glory in Jesus name. Amen.