Today we remember and give thanks for Philip the Deacon. Philip, also called the Evangelist (Acts 21:8), was one of the seven men
appointed to assist in the work of the twelve Apostles and of the rapidly
growing early church by overseeing the distribution of food to the poor
(6:1–6). Following the martyrdom of Stephen, Philip proclaimed the Gospel in
Samaria and led Simon the Sorcerer to become a believer in Christ (8:4–13). He
was also instrumental in bringing about the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch
(8:26–39), through whom Philip became indirectly responsible for bringing the
Good News of Jesus to the people on the continent of Africa. In the town of
Caesarea he was host for several days to the Apostle Paul, who stopped there on
his last journey to Jerusalem (21:8–15).
Collect of the Day:
Almighty and everlasting God, we give thanks to You for
Your servant Philip the Deacon. You
called him to preach the Gospel to the peoples of Samaria and Ethiopia. Raise up in this and every land messengers of
Your kingdom, that Your Church may proclaim the immeasurable riches of our
Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now
and forever.
(Treasury
of Daily Prayer, pg. 804)
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