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Philip the Deacon

the one with the Ethiopian’s chariot

Who was Philip the Deacon?

Also called
Philip the evangelist Acts 21:8
Occupation
One of the Seven; later, a preacher of the Gospel Acts 6:5; Acts 21:8
Philip the Deacon, an artistic recreation

What the Bible says

Acts 6:1-5

1And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.

Acts 8:5, 12

5And Philip going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them. 12But when they had believed Philip preaching of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:35, 38

35Then Philip, opening his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Jesus. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and he baptized him.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The path of Philip the Deacon

  1. Before Jesus. He was chosen as one of the Seven to take care of the daily distribution to the widows. Acts 6:1-5
  2. Before Jesus. The Seven were presented to the apostles. The apostles prayed and laid hands on them. Acts 6:6
  3. With Jesus. After Stephen's death there was a persecution, and the disciples were scattered. Philip went down to Samaria. Acts 8:1, 4-5
  4. With Jesus. He proclaimed Christ and worked signs. There was great joy in that city. Acts 8:5-8
  5. With Jesus. Many men and women believed and were baptized. So was Simon, a man who practiced magic. Acts 8:9, 12-13
  6. With Jesus. The apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God. They sent Peter and John, who prayed that the people might receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17
  7. With Jesus. An angel sent him to the road to Gaza. There he met a high official of the queen of the Ethiopians. Acts 8:26-27
  8. With Jesus. The Ethiopian was reading the prophet Isaiah. Beginning with that passage, Philip proclaimed Jesus to him, and he baptized him. Acts 8:30-38
  9. Afterward. Then he turned up at Azotus, and he preached the Gospel in every town until he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:40
  10. Afterward. Years later, Paul and his companions stayed at his house in Caesarea. Acts 21:8
  11. Afterward. While Paul was at his house, the prophet Agabus arrived. Agabus tied his own feet and hands with Paul's belt, to foretell that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Acts 21:10-11

Words of Philip the Deacon

“Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest?” Acts 8:30

When he came up to the Ethiopian's chariot, as the man was reading the prophet Isaiah.

What they were like

The greatest thing they did

Not to be confused with

What people ask

Is this Philip the apostle?

No. Acts calls him “one of the Seven” and “the evangelist.” Philip the apostle was one of the Twelve. Acts 6:2-5; Acts 21:8

Who was the Ethiopian?

A eunuch, a high official of the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her whole treasury. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship God. Acts 8:27

Which passage of Isaiah was the Ethiopian reading?

The one about the lamb led to the slaughter, who does not open his mouth. Philip told him it was speaking about Jesus. Acts 8:32-35; Isaiah 53:7

Did Philip have a family?

Yes. He had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Acts 21:9

What did Philip ask the Ethiopian?

He asked him if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian answered, how could he understand unless someone guided him, and he invited Philip to get into the chariot. Acts 8:30-31

Who were the other six?

Stephen, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch. Acts 6:5

Little known After the baptism, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the Ethiopian saw him no more. Acts 8:39 He had four daughters who prophesied. Acts 21:9…

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Who Philip the Deacon is connected to

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All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible

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