Philip’s ministry really began out of persecution. At this point in the early church, most of the followers of Jesus were almost exclusively Jewish and located in Jerusalem. After Stephen was killed for his faith, hatred and violence were unleashed upon the early church. Many scattered into Judea and even Samaria. It’s ironic that the church would flee to Samaria since at that time there was incredible prejudice and hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans; yet it was there among the Samaritans that Philip had an incredible ministry experiencing the supernatural power of God and performing many miracles.

What we see in Philip’s story is the truth of what Jesus said in Acts 1:8, that His followers would be His witnesses first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, Samaria and to the remotest parts of the earth. Isn’t it amazing that God takes something that man intends for evil – the persecution of the church – and turns it into a means for good?

In what ways do you need to surrender your present circumstances and put your faith in the God who has the power to bring good out of bad? Ask God for help trusting in His plan over your own. Ask God for faith like Philip to keep on going as a Christian witness even in the face of persecution.