Acts 8:26
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."
Now an angel of the Lord
The phrase "angel of the Lord" is significant in biblical narratives, often indicating a divine messenger sent by God to deliver important instructions or revelations. In the Greek, "angel" is "ἄγγελος" (angelos), meaning "messenger." This highlights the divine authority and purpose behind the message. Throughout Scripture, angels serve as intermediaries between God and humans, emphasizing God's active involvement in guiding His people. The presence of an angel underscores the importance of the mission Philip is about to undertake, reflecting God's sovereign plan in the spread of the Gospel.

said to Philip
Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, is a key figure in the early church's expansion beyond Jerusalem. His role as an evangelist is highlighted here, as he is directly addressed by the angel. The Greek verb "said" (εἶπεν, eipen) indicates a clear and authoritative communication. This divine instruction to Philip demonstrates God's personal guidance and the importance of obedience to His call. Philip's willingness to listen and act upon God's direction is a model of faithfulness and readiness to serve.

Get up and go
The command "Get up and go" is a call to immediate action. In Greek, "get up" (ἀνάστηθι, anastēthi) implies rising from a position of rest or inactivity, while "go" (πορεύου, poreuou) suggests embarking on a journey or mission. This directive emphasizes the urgency and importance of the task at hand. It reflects the dynamic nature of the Christian mission, where believers are called to be active participants in God's work, ready to move and respond to His leading at any moment.

south to the road
The instruction to go "south to the road" provides specific geographical direction. The term "south" (μεσημβρίαν, mesēmbrían) can also mean "midday" or "noon," indicating the direction of the sun. This detail underscores the precision of God's guidance, directing Philip to a particular path. The road mentioned is a well-traveled route, suggesting that God's work often occurs in the midst of everyday life and common places, where divine appointments await.

the desert road
The "desert road" (ἔρημος, erēmos) refers to a sparsely populated, arid area. This setting may seem unlikely for a significant encounter, yet it highlights God's ability to work in unexpected places. The desert is often a place of testing and revelation in Scripture, symbolizing spiritual journeys and encounters with God. This setting prepares the reader for the divine encounter that will unfold, reminding us that God's presence and purpose can be found even in the most desolate circumstances.

that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza
This phrase provides a geographical context, indicating a route from Jerusalem to Gaza, a city on the Mediterranean coast. Historically, Gaza was a significant Philistine city, and its mention here points to the expanding reach of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories. The journey "down" (καταβαίνουσαν, katabainousan) from Jerusalem, situated on a hill, to the coastal plains of Gaza, symbolizes the movement of the Gospel from the center of Jewish worship to the broader Gentile world. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the early church's mission, as the message of Christ begins to reach all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Philip
One of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, known for his evangelistic work and being filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He plays a crucial role in spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.

2. Angel of the Lord
A divine messenger who provides guidance and direction to Philip, indicating the importance of divine intervention in the spread of the Gospel.

3. The Road from Jerusalem to Gaza
A desert road, symbolizing a place of divine appointment and unexpected encounters. It highlights the theme of God’s work in seemingly desolate or unlikely places.

4. Jerusalem
The starting point of the early church and the center of Jewish worship, from which the Gospel begins to spread outward.

5. Gaza
A Philistine city, representing the broader reach of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories, fulfilling the Great Commission.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
God often leads His people in unexpected ways and places. We must be attentive and obedient to His direction, even when it leads us to "desert roads."

Obedience and Faith
Philip's immediate response to the angel's command demonstrates the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan. We should be ready to act when God calls us.

Evangelism Beyond Comfort Zones
The Gospel is meant to reach all people, regardless of location or background. We should be willing to step out of our comfort zones to share the message of Christ.

Divine Appointments
God orchestrates encounters for His purposes. We should be open to the opportunities He provides to share our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Philip's response to the angel's command challenge us in our willingness to follow God's leading, even when it seems inconvenient or unclear?

2. In what ways can we be more attentive to the "desert roads" in our lives where God might be calling us to serve or witness?

3. How does the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrate the fulfillment of the Great Commission in our own lives?

4. What are some modern-day "Gazas" where the Gospel needs to be shared, and how can we be part of reaching those areas?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "divine appointment." How did it impact your faith, and what did you learn from it about God's timing and purpose?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 1:8
This verse outlines the mission of the apostles to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Philip's journey to Gaza is a fulfillment of this mission, showing the Gospel's expansion.

Isaiah 53
The Ethiopian eunuch, whom Philip will meet on this road, is reading from this passage. It provides a prophetic connection to the suffering servant, whom Philip identifies as Jesus.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Philip's obedience to the angel's command is a direct application of this commission.
A Meeting in the DesertAlexander MaclarenActs 8:26
The Second Flight of the GospelR.A. Redford Acts 8:25-40
A Life True to Light Led to the Light True to LifeP.C. Barker Acts 8:26-39
A Special InfusionDean Vaughan.Acts 8:26-39
A Typical Evangelist: a Striking ConversionA. Wood, B.A.Acts 8:26-39
Changing Spheres: a Word for WorkersMark Guy Pearse.Acts 8:26-39
Comparisons and ContrastsHomilistActs 8:26-39
Courtiers and ConversionA. Coquerel.Acts 8:26-39
Four Noble Guides to the Way of SalvationK. Gerok.Acts 8:26-39
GazaDean Plumptre.Acts 8:26-39
How All Things Co-Operate to Promote the Salvation of a Soul Desiring to be SavedK. Gerok.Acts 8:26-39
How the Ethiopian Treasurer Found the True TreasureK. Gerok.Acts 8:26-39
Man Versus AngelH. C. Trumbull, D. DActs 8:26-39
Philip and the EthiopianE. M. Taylor.Acts 8:26-39
Philip and the EthiopianM. C. Hazard.Acts 8:26-39
Philip and the EunuchJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.Acts 8:26-39
Philip and the Eunuch: a Remarkable MeetingD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 8:26-39
Philip on His Way to Gaza, a Type of a True MinisterK. Gerok.Acts 8:26-39
Philip the EvangelistA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 8:26-39
Philip's Audience of OneC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 8:26-39
The Christian Teacher's Work and its RewardsMonday Club SermonsActs 8:26-39
The Converted NoblemanW. A. Griffiths.Acts 8:26-39
The EthiopianE. Bersier, D. D.Acts 8:26-39
The Ethiopian Convert: a Typical ManJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 8:26-39
Unto Gaza, Which is DesertH. Macmillan, LL. D.Acts 8:26-39
Worker and SeekerActs 8:26-39
Philip and the EthiopianE. Johnson Acts 8:26-40
The Christian Teacher and DiscipleW. Clarkson Acts 8:26-40
People
Candace, Esaias, Ethiopians, Isaiah, John, Peter, Philip, Saul, Simon, Stephen
Places
Azotus, Caesarea, Gaza, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
Topics
Angel, Arise, Crossing, Descends, Desert, Gaza, Goes, Jerusalem, Messenger, Philip, Proceed, Rise, Road, Runs, Saying, South, Southward, Spake, Spoke, Towards, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 8:26

     4111   angels, servants
     4140   angel of the Lord
     4230   desert
     5263   communication
     5408   messenger
     5548   speech, divine
     5698   guardian
     7740   missionaries, call
     8128   guidance, receiving
     9412   heaven, worship and service

Acts 8:26-29

     8426   evangelism, motivation

Acts 8:26-38

     7712   convincing

Acts 8:26-39

     5309   eunuchs

Acts 8:26-40

     5345   influence

Library
Simon the Sorcerer
'Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.'--ACTS viii. 21. The era of the birth of Christianity was one of fermenting opinion and decaying faith. Then, as now, men's minds were seething and unsettled, and that unrest which is the precursor of great changes in intellectual and spiritual habitudes affected the civilised world. Such a period is ever one of predisposition to superstition. The one true bond which unites God and man being obscured,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Philip the Evangelist
'But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.'--ACTS viii. 40. The little that is known about Philip, the deacon and evangelist, may very soon be told. His name suggests, though by no means conclusively, that he was probably one of the so-called Hellenists, or foreign-born and Greek-speaking Jews. This is made the more probable because he was one of the seven selected by the Church, and after that selection appointed by the Apostles,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
'And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Meeting in the Desert
'And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28. Was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read Esaias the prophet. 29. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The General Spread of the Gospel
"The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters covers the sea." Isa. 11:9. 1. In what a condition is the world at present! How does darkness, intellectual darkness, ignorance, with vice and misery attendant upon it, cover the face of the earth! From the accurate inquiry made with indefatigable pains by our ingenious countryman, Mr. Brerewood; (who travelled himself over a great part of the known world, in order to form the more exact judgment;) supposing the world to be divided
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Period iii. The Critical Period: A. D. 140 to A. D. 200
The interval between the close of the post-apostolic age and the end of the second century, or from about 140 to 200, may be called the Critical Period of Ancient Christianity. In this period there grew up conceptions of Christianity which were felt by the Church, as a whole, to be fundamentally opposed to its essential spirit and to constitute a serious menace to the Christian faith as it had been commonly received. These conceptions, which grew up both alongside of, and within the Church, have
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

Gaza
After very many histories of this place in the Holy Bible, which there is no need to repeat here,--in this city did Alexander the Great, at length, besiege Babemeses the Persian, by the space of two months. "And that city, which before-time was most famous, was laid waste by him, and rendered desert." Not that he had destroyed the building of the city, or consumed it with fire; for presently after his death, Antigonus and Ptolemy, his captains, fighting, it had walls, gates, and fortifications: but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And on the Day Following He Went Forth Still More Eagerly Bent on The...
11. And on the day following he went forth still more eagerly bent on the service of God and having fallen in with the old man he had met previously, he asked him to dwell with him in the desert. But when the other declined on account of his great age, and because as yet there was no such custom, Antony himself set off forthwith to the mountain. And yet again the enemy seeing his zeal and wishing to hinder it, cast in his way what seemed to be a great silver dish. But Antony, seeing the guile of
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Whether Baptism Can be Conferred in the Name of Christ?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism can be conferred in the name of Christ. For just as there is "one Faith," so is there "one Baptism" (Eph. 4:5). But it is related (Acts 8:12) that "in the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized, both men and women." Therefore now also can Baptism be conferred in the name of Christ. Objection 2: Further, Ambrose says (De Spir. Sanct. i): "If you mention Christ, you designate both the Father by Whom He was anointed, and the Son Himself, Who was anointed, and the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Chrism is a Fitting Matter for this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that chrism is not a fitting matter for this sacrament. For this sacrament, as stated above (A[1], ad 1), was instituted by Christ when He promised His disciples the Holy Ghost. But He sent them the Holy Ghost without their being anointed with chrism. Moreover, the apostles themselves bestowed this sacrament without chrism, by the mere imposition of hands: for it is written (Acts 8:17) that the apostles "laid their hands upon" those who were baptized, "and they received the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Imposition of the Priest's Hands is Necessary for this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It would seem that the imposition of the priest's hands is necessary for this sacrament. For it is written (Mk. 16:18): "They shall lay hands upon the sick, and they shall recover." Now sinners are sick spiritually, and obtain recovery through this sacrament. Therefore an imposition of hands should be made in this sacrament. Objection 2: Further, in this sacrament man regains the Holy Ghost Whom he had lost, wherefore it is said in the person of the penitent (Ps. 1:14): "Restore unto
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Penance is a Sacrament?
Objection 1: It would seem that Penance is not a sacrament. For Gregory [*Cf. Isidore, Etym. vi, ch. 19] says: "The sacraments are Baptism, Chrism, and the Body and Blood of Christ; which are called sacraments because under the veil of corporeal things the Divine power works out salvation in a hidden manner." But this does not happen in Penance, because therein corporeal things are not employed that, under them, the power of God may work our salvation. Therefore Penance is not a sacrament. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Baptism Should be Deferred?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should be deferred. For Pope Leo says (Epist. xvi): "Two seasons," i.e. Easter and Whitsuntide, "are fixed by the Roman Pontiff for the celebration of Baptism. Wherefore we admonish your Beatitude not to add any other days to this custom." Therefore it seems that Baptism should be conferred not at once, but delayed until the aforesaid seasons. Objection 2: Further, we read in the decrees of the Council of Agde (Can. xxxiv): "If Jews whose bad faith often "returns
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that those who had been baptized with John's baptism had not to be baptized with the baptism of Christ. For John was not less than the apostles, since of him is it written (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it is written (Acts 8:16,17) that some were "only baptized" by Philip "in the name
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Simony is an Intentional Will to Buy or Sell Something Spiritual or Connected with a Spiritual Thing?
Objection 1: It would seem that simony is not "an express will to buy or sell something spiritual or connected with a spiritual thing." Simony is heresy, since it is written (I, qu. i [*Can. Eos qui per pecunias.]): "The impious heresy of Macedonius and of those who with him impugned the Holy Ghost, is more endurable than that of those who are guilty of simony: since the former in their ravings maintained that the Holy Spirit of Father and Son is a creature and the slave of God, whereas the latter
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Preventive against Backsliding.
It is most instructive to note how exceedingly anxious the early Christians were, that, as soon as a man was converted, he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel and Peniel, between the Cross and Pentecost. They knew it was not God's will that forty years of wilderness wanderings should lie between Egypt and the Promised Land (Deut. i. 2). When Peter and John came to the Samaritans, and found that they were
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

How Long Between?
It is often asked what time must elapse between the regenerating by the Spirit and the filling with the Spirit? for be it remembered the Filling is as real and distinct and definite a blessing as the regenerating. Many people know the moment of their new birth; they were conscious of the change; so also many know when they were "filled with the Holy Ghost;" it was a blessed, bright, conscious experience, and it is as impossible to argue them out of the one experience as out of the other. On the other
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Early History of Particular Churches.
A.D. 67-A.D. 500 Section 1. The Church of England. [Sidenote: St. Paul's visit to England.] The CHURCH OF ENGLAND is believed, with good reason, to owe its foundation to the Apostle St. Paul, who probably came to this country after his first imprisonment at Rome. The writings of Tertullian, and others in the second and third centuries speak of Christianity as having spread as far as the islands of Britain, and a British king named Lucius is known to have embraced the Faith about the middle of
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Philip, the Evangelist
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. Philip the Evangelist must be carefully distinguished from Philip the Apostle. And though it is little that we are told regarding him in Scripture, that little is very significant. He first comes before us as one of the seven chosen by the early Church at Jerusalem to take charge of the daily ministration of charity to the poor widows (Acts vi. I ff.). And when this work is hindered by the outbreak of persecution following on the death of Stephen, we find him
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Sanctifying Grace is Bestowed in this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that sanctifying grace is not bestowed in this sacrament. For sanctifying grace is ordained against sin. But this sacrament, as stated above [4492](A[6]) is given only to the baptized, who are cleansed from sin. Therefore sanctifying grace is not bestowed in this sacrament. Objection 2: Further, sinners especially need sanctifying grace, by which alone can they be justified. If, therefore, sanctifying grace is bestowed in this sacrament, it seems that it should be given to those
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Only a Bishop Can Confer this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that not only a bishop can confer this sacrament. For Gregory (Regist. iv), writing to Bishop Januarius, says: "We hear that some were scandalized because we forbade priests to anoint with chrism those who have been baptized. Yet in doing this we followed the ancient custom of our Church: but if this trouble some so very much we permit priests, where no bishop is to be had, to anoint the baptized on the forehead with chrism." But that which is essential to the sacraments should
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness Proved, and their True Character Explained.
1. Connection of the present discussion with that concerning Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Impiety of the popish teachers in attributing more to human rites than to the ordinances of God. 2. Men cannot institute sacraments. Necessary to keep up a distinction between sacraments and other ceremonies. 3. Seven sacraments not to be found in ecclesiastical writers. Augustine, who may represent all the others, acknowledged two sacraments only. 4. Nature of confirmation in ancient times. The laying on
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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