April 28, 2026 | Be Connected
Philip’s Ministry in Samaria
Scripture: Acts 8:4-8(NIV)
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
Devotional
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He said, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The first seven chapters of the book of Acts are about being witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, the epicenter of the Jewish people and faith. Now, in the eighth chapter of Acts, the ministry moves to Samaria.
This region of Samaria was the “other side of the tracks.” It was filled with undesirables, people who were not worthy of the God of Israel. Yet Philip remembered how Jesus treated the woman at the well in Samaria. He showed her respect. He revealed his identity as the Messiah to her. He welcomed her and her fellow residents to the faith.
So, Philip proclaimed Jesus the Messiah to more residents of Samaria. They leaned in. They stood tall. They lifted their hands and hearts in praise.
I wonder, are there people around us that we consider too far from God to have any hope? Maybe somebody in the neighborhood, or at work, or at school is so godless that we can never imagine them as Godly.
What would it take to inspire you to take a risk with those folks? If the Lord showed you that they might be receptive to Jesus, would you be bold enough to share your faith?
Take time right now to ask God how he sees those people. Listen for His response. Ask Him what part He wants you to play.
Maybe, just maybe, you are the Philip to those Samaritans….
