Read Acts 8:26–40
I want to introduce you to what I call the Philip Approach to evangelism. This Christ-centred method is set forth in a series of seven principles drawn from Acts 8:26–40. This remarkable follower of Christ named Philip was engaged in a citywide crusade at Samaria. God was using him mightily (see 8:5–8). Suddenly, the Lord spoke to His spokesman and instructed him to leave the city and travel to Gaza, a desert area (see 8:26). Faithful Philip got up and went (see 8:27). He was available (Principle 1).
He then encountered a distinguished statesman, a eunuch from Ethiopia riding in a chariot (see 8:28). Of all things, the stranger was reading Isaiah! Philip was led by the Spirit (Principle 2) to go and get acquainted with the traveler. In today’s terminology, he felt a definite urging that God would have him strike up a conversation and share the magnetic claims of Christ.
As you’d expect, Philip co-operated. Obedience (Principle 3) is essential.
He then heard the man reading aloud (see 8:30) and calmly asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” What an excellent start! A proper opening (Principle 4) is essential. Philip didn’t barge in and start preaching. He simply asked a logical yet leading question. The statesman instantly invited Philip to come and sit by him and assist him in his quest for understanding (see 8:31–34).
The eunuch’s response was met with great tact (Principle 5) on Philip’s part. Even though he had his foot in the door, he remained gracious, a good listener, and keenly sensitive to the time he might speak of salvation.
When that moment came, he “opened his mouth” (8:35, KJV) and became specific (Principle 6) concerning faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. No vague dialogue about religion—he spoke only of the Saviour and the salvation He provided.
The last few verses (see 8:36–38) describe the brief but memorable follow-up (Principle 7) Philip employed in this case.
As you rub shoulders with hungry, thirsty, and curious unbelievers, keep these principles in mind. Let’s become more alert to those empty chariot sidecars God wants us to occupy. There isn’t any place I’d rather be when Christ returns than telling someone about His grace. How about you?
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.
The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.
