Quote:
Originally Posted by Esaias
I was just wondering if Luke was making a theological point in his accounts of Phillip's ministry.
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I think the main point Luke was trying to make (if he was indeed trying to MAKE a point rather than just relate the facts) is that Philip was a consecrated deacon, evangelist, and true man of God who knew how to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In Samaria:
1.) Philip preached Christ, just as he was commissioned (a deacon who uses his office well has great boldness in the faith of Jesus Christ -
1 Timothy 3:13)
2.) He had such an anointing on him that "multitudes" heeded his preaching.
3.) He performed miracles out of God's abundance, including exorcisms and "wheel-chair" type signs.
In Gaza:
1.) Philip hears the angel of the Lord tell him to draw near to the chariot
2.) Philip was able, from Isaiah, to preach Jesus Christ, with an anointing such that it caused the Ethiopian to want to immediately enter into the New Covenant.
3.) Philip was caught up by the Spirit to go onto other things
If we had a modern day Philip in our midst and all of the above happened and someone poo-pooed him because people didn't receive the Holy Spirit, they'd be nuts.