How can we emulate Philip's approach to sharing the Gospel in Acts 8:30? Setting the Scene “Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’” (Acts 8:30) Key Observations from Acts 8:30 • Philip “ran”—swift, energetic obedience • He “heard” first—active listening before speaking • He “asked”—opened with a question, not a lecture • His focus was Scripture—Isaiah’s scroll, not personal opinion Courageous Obedience: Go When God Sends • Acts 8:26–29 shows an angel and the Spirit directing Philip; he moved without delay • Emulate by responding immediately to promptings (Matthew 28:19-20) • Keep margins in your schedule so you can “run” toward divine appointments Engage with Genuine Curiosity • Philip’s question invited dialogue, respecting the eunuch’s dignity • Proverbs 20:5—“The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” • Start gospel conversations with sincere questions that draw people out Listen Before You Speak • Philip heard the eunuch reading; he knew exactly where to start • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” • Active listening builds bridges and reveals where Scripture can meet specific needs Open Scripture at the Center • Philip began with Isaiah 53 and “told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35) • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Memorize key passages and keep a Bible—or app—ready for on-the-spot study Speak with Clarity and Gentleness • 1 Peter 3:15—“Always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” • Avoid jargon; explain terms like “Messiah,” “atonement,” and “faith” in everyday language • Maintain a gracious tone, trusting the Word’s inherent power (Hebrews 4:12) Rely on the Holy Spirit • Acts 8:29—“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’” • John 16:13—The Spirit guides into all truth; pray for His leading before, during, after conversations • Remember conversion is God’s work; we plant and water, but He gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6) Cultivate Cultural Sensitivity • The eunuch was an Ethiopian court official—different ethnicity, status, background • Colossians 4:5-6—“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders…let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” • Learn enough about a person’s context to connect Scripture to their life story Persistent Availability • After the eunuch’s baptism, “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away” (Acts 8:39). Philip was ready for the next assignment • Stay available for successive opportunities, big or small Living It Out Today – Start every day offering your schedule to God for prompt, willing obedience – Listen actively in conversations; ask, “Where is this person on their spiritual journey?” – Keep Scripture central; share verses, not merely opinions – Trust the Holy Spirit to open hearts while you remain gentle, clear, and bold By running in obedience, listening attentively, asking thoughtful questions, and centering every exchange on God’s Word, we follow Philip’s timeless pattern for sharing the Gospel. |
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