Topical Encyclopedia
Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church in Jerusalem, is noted for his role in the spread of the Gospel and the miraculous works that accompanied his ministry. His account is primarily recorded in the Book of Acts, where his actions demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit working through the early believers.
Philip in SamariaPhilip's ministry in Samaria is marked by significant miraculous events. After the persecution that followed Stephen's martyrdom, Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The response was remarkable, as the people paid close attention to his message, "For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying out with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed" (
Acts 8:7). These miracles served as a testament to the truth of the Gospel and led to great joy in the city (
Acts 8:8).
The Conversion of Simon the SorcererAmong those who witnessed Philip's miracles was Simon the Sorcerer, a man who had previously amazed the people of Samaria with his magic. Simon himself believed and was baptized, astonished by the great signs and miracles performed by Philip (
Acts 8:13). This event highlights the superiority of the power of God over any form of human or demonic magic, as even a practiced sorcerer recognized the divine nature of Philip's works.
Philip and the Ethiopian EunuchAnother significant miracle associated with Philip is his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. Directed by an angel of the Lord, Philip met the eunuch on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. The eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah, and Philip, led by the Spirit, approached him and explained the Scriptures, proclaiming the good news about Jesus. As they traveled, they came upon some water, and the eunuch expressed his desire to be baptized. After the baptism, "the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing" (
Acts 8:39). This miraculous transportation of Philip demonstrates the divine orchestration of events in the spread of the Gospel.
Philip's Continued MinistryPhilip's ministry did not end with these events. He continued to preach the Gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (
Acts 8:40). His life and work exemplify the role of miracles in affirming the message of the early church and the power of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering God's servants.
Philip's account is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the miraculous signs that often accompany its proclamation. Through his obedience and faithfulness, Philip played a crucial role in the early expansion of Christianity, demonstrating that the miraculous works of God are not confined to a single place or time but are a continuing testament to His power and presence in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 8:6,7,13And the people with one accord gave heed to those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind
... He ran through the successive ages of life until ... For because these miracles are written
that so they ... nevertheless all those things which were wrought by Him in ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/augustine 354-430 the recovery.htm
This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... that it was mere grace, that wrought through them all ... proper to humanity, when they
performed miracles, such as ... as thieves do not dig through and assiduously ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm
Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... The subject of the import of the miracles that were wrought by Him and by ... The practice
was provided for through the whole of the New Testament writings. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm
Matt. xiii. 53
... own;" that they might not say, "If miracles had been ... the dead, and no one had wrought
anything of ... thou wouldest reap yet another consolation through their means ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlviii matt xiii 53.htm
The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... This fresh proof of the vitality of the Church through the active ... and multiplied
conversions, as well as by the first miracles of healing wrought in the ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm
Extracts No. vii.
... the understanding of any man only through the medium ... this world, therefore did his
servants fight; but ... knew for certainty, that those miracles wrought by them ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm
The Conferences of John Cassian
... How greatly those excel who depart from sin through the feeling ... of a lame man which
the same saint wrought. ... is of more importance than the working of miracles. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cassian/the conferences of john cassian/
Ephesians iii. 11-Aug
... Yea, and after those miracles, and after the wonders wrought by his hand, oftentimes
they sought ... Did He not work miracles? ... [248] [The words through Jesus Christ ...
/.../homily vii ephesians iii 11-aug.htm
Galatians Chapter I.
... who we were, and what God had wrought, and that ... of his preaching,"by signs and miracles,
by dangers ... the singular because the contrast is through Jesus Christ ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm
Continuation of the Discourse on the Holy Ghost.
... they were unlearned and ignorant men [2182] , but through the mighty ... full of faith
and of the Holy Ghost, wrought great wonders and miracles among the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvii continuation of the.htm
Resources
What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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