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The Philip mentioned in our text word was not the Apostle but one of the first seven Deacons of the Church in Jerusalem. Acts 6:5. Deacon Philip was very active in the Evangelist ministry in spite of the great persecution suffered by the Christians at that time, and even after the martyrdom of Deacon Stephen he testified in Samaria to Simon the magician, who was later on baptized and sealed, but being a magician thought it was magic by which the Apostles could give the Holy Ghost, therefore he offered money to buy the trick from them, but the Apostles were very annoyed with him and told him to repent his wickedness. Acts 8: 3-22.

Philip was quite evidently a very courageous and godly man, to such an extent that the Lord sent an angel to Philip specially to tell him to go to Gaza in the desert so that he might meet an important emissary, an Eunuch from Ethiopia, who was treasurer to Candace Queen of the Ethiopians. Philip testified to this gentleman who was struggling to read and understand the book of Esaias, which is the same as Isaiah, where it is written, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7. Philip explained this text to the Eunuch and its connection with Jesus Christ of whom the Prophet Isaiah had been prophesying. Philip must have explained a great deal about the Lord’s work and the Apostles ministry, because the Eunuch was so completely convinced that he asked to be baptized, and even though they were in the desert, the Lord led them to a small oasis where there was a spring where the baptism took place.

Immediately after the work was done Philip vanished and the Eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing, probably it was by this means that Ethiopia became one of the earliest countries to embrace Christianity, so we can understand why the Lord took so much trouble sending an angel specially to Philip.

How did Philip suddenly vanish from the Eunuch’s presence the moment his work was done and appear far away in another place called Azotus, where he continued his preaching until he came to Caesarea? It was a miracle. God took Philip from Gaza and transported him to Azotus where he should continue with his work. This whole story about Philip is a faith strengthener for us because it shows us how, if we do our part, God will not let us down but will support and uphold us all the way.