Category:Philip the Evangelist (subject)

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Philip the Evangelist was a leader of the Early Christian movement.

< Choice of the Seven -- Spread of the Gospel to Samaria -- Baptism of the Eunuch -- Paul's Last Visit to Greece >


Overview

According to the Acts of the Apostles, Philip the Evangelist (not to be confused with Philip the Apostle) was one of the Seven Deacons appointed by the Twelve, as leaders of the Hellenists within the early Christian movement.

After a persecution arose against the Hellenists, following the stoning of their leader Stephen, Philip fled to Samaria, where he preached the Gospel, and converted Simon Magus. He then baptized at Gaza the first Gentile convert, an Ethiopian eunuch; see Baptism of the Eunuch.

The final reference to Philip sees him residing in Caesarea Maritima with his four unmarried daughter, and being visited by Paul of Tarsus on his way to Jerusalem.

Philip the Evangelist, in ancient sources

Acts of the Apostles

Acts 6:1-6 (NRSV) Choice of the Seven -- [6:1] Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. [2] And the Twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. [3] Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, [4] while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ [5] What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. [6] They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. [7] The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 8:4-25 Spread of the Gospel to Samaria -- Acts.8.5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. Acts.8.6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. Acts.8.12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts.8.13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Acts 8:26-40 Baptism of the Eunuch -- Acts.8.26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. Acts.8.29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” Acts.8.30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts.8.31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts.8.34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Acts.8.35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. Acts.8.38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Acts.8.39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 21:8-9; see Paul's Last Visit to Greece -- Acts.21.8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

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