Philip and the Ethiopian
As we continue in the book of Acts, word about Jesus was spreading and the church was growing. The apostles chose seven men full of the Holy Spirit to help with the needs of a growing church. We learned last week about Stephen, one of the men chosen. Stephen preached the word and did great signs and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit. This week, we learned about another man who was chosen to serve: Philip.
Read Acts 8
Due to persecution by Saul and others, Christians were scattering and spreading the word of God to others as they moved to different places. God used the persecution of these Christians to further the gospel and bring more people to Christ.
Even as persecution was occurring, Philip continued to do proclaim the Messiah and do signs in Jesus' name. Philip was told by an angel of the Lord to go down a desert road that was not part of his normal route, and Philip was obedient. Along the way he met a man from Ethiopia who was having trouble understanding a section of scripture from the book of Isaiah. Philip helped explain to the Ethiopian that he was reading about Jesus, and he shared the gospel with him. As they travelled together, they continued to discuss the scriptures and when they came across some water, the Ethiopian wanted to be baptized. Philip said “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
It's important to be obedient to God even if what He’s telling you might not be what you expected. God knew the Ethiopian man had questions and was ready to hear the good news. So God sent Philip, a man who was willing to go, to share. And because of this, the Ethiopian went back to his country and probably shared with many others.
Listening to and obeying God can lead to really cool things, it can even lead to watching other people get saved. Being led by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit is a sure way to see fruit grow in your life.
Family Discussion
Memory Verse
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
Read Acts 8
Due to persecution by Saul and others, Christians were scattering and spreading the word of God to others as they moved to different places. God used the persecution of these Christians to further the gospel and bring more people to Christ.
Even as persecution was occurring, Philip continued to do proclaim the Messiah and do signs in Jesus' name. Philip was told by an angel of the Lord to go down a desert road that was not part of his normal route, and Philip was obedient. Along the way he met a man from Ethiopia who was having trouble understanding a section of scripture from the book of Isaiah. Philip helped explain to the Ethiopian that he was reading about Jesus, and he shared the gospel with him. As they travelled together, they continued to discuss the scriptures and when they came across some water, the Ethiopian wanted to be baptized. Philip said “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
It's important to be obedient to God even if what He’s telling you might not be what you expected. God knew the Ethiopian man had questions and was ready to hear the good news. So God sent Philip, a man who was willing to go, to share. And because of this, the Ethiopian went back to his country and probably shared with many others.
Listening to and obeying God can lead to really cool things, it can even lead to watching other people get saved. Being led by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit is a sure way to see fruit grow in your life.
Family Discussion
- What did the angel of the Lord tell Philip to do?
- Who was reading Isaiah on the road that Philip was on?
- What did Philip share with the Ethiopian?
- What is baptism?
- Do you remember when you heard the good news for the first time?
- Have you ever received Jesus into your life?
- God can use all of us if we let him. What are some ways God can use kids?
- Who can you share the good news with this week?
Memory Verse
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
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