Acts Actually: 8 – Philip and the Spread Under Pressure

Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (Acts 8:40)

The juice does not emerge unless the fruit is put under pressure.

The Holy Spirit inspired Stephen to give the speech that would allow the pressure to be applied and now the news that had some tract from those at Pentecost, got another wave as persecution drives the news with those on the run.

It’s remarkable again seeing what the believers do when they’re under pressure. Some under pressure will give up. Some under pressure will tone it down. Some under pressure will seek to compromise and accommodate. The believers under threat maintain their faith and choose to fulfil the great commission and take it with them wherever they go.

Philip’s adventures in particular are fascinating. Where once the Samaritans were considered worse than second class citizens, now through the example of Jesus Christ and the new impetus to spread the gospel, here is Philip to share the news with accompanying evidences of the Kingdom.

What is also intriguing about the spread is how Philip spends time getting people to accept the message, but doesn’t stick around for people to receive the Holy Spirit. He leaves that to someone else. The episode of Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch is also inspiring in how, again driven by the Spirit, Philip is able to share the news with someone who is able to take the good news to influence not just a new country, but potentially an entire continent.

What comes out of us when we’re under pressure? Are we likely to keep the faith undercover at the slightest sign of opposition? Are we likely to comply with requests to keep our faith private? Is that what the Holy Spirit would lead us to do?

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden