The Evangelist – Philip
Philip, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, exemplifies the role of an evangelist—a person driven to share the Good News and bring others into faith. Known for his direct and compassionate approach, Philip’s interactions reveal a heart deeply committed to making Christ known, especially to those who might be overlooked or distant from the faith. His encounters in the Gospels and the Book of Acts highlight his passion for reaching others and his willingness to go wherever the Spirit led him.
Philip’s role as an evangelist is first seen in his immediate response to Jesus’ call. Upon meeting Jesus, Philip not only accepted the call to follow but eagerly went to find Nathanael, saying, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Here, Philip demonstrates the heart of an evangelist: encountering Christ personally and then sharing that experience with others.
Philip’s evangelistic spirit shines in his sensitivity to divine appointments, such as his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. The Holy Ghost directed Philip to approach the eunuch’s chariot, where he found him reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip, understanding the eunuch’s need for guidance, asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). He then used that moment to explain the Scriptures, ultimately leading the man to faith and baptism. This story reflects Philip’s readiness to seize every opportunity to share the Gospel, crossing cultural and social boundaries to bring salvation to those open to hearing it.
Moreover, Philip’s approach as an evangelist is characterized by clarity and patience. Rather than simply proclaiming the message to the Ethiopian eunuch, he engaged in conversation, listened to questions, and guided him toward understanding. This combination of conviction and compassion is vital to the evangelist’s role—bridging the gap between the message of Christ and the hearts of seekers.
Through his life, Philip shows us that evangelism is not about grand gestures but about meeting people where they are, clearly explaining the truth of the Gospel, and guiding them toward a relationship with Christ. His example reminds the church that evangelism is a daily calling fueled by a heart that desires all people to experience the transformative love of Jesus.