ESOCS Devotional 2 October 2021
TEXT: ACTS 8: 26-40
MEMORY VERSE: “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors; and some, teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV).
At the height of the persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, when Stephen was brutally murdered by stoning, many of the disciples, with the exception of the apostles, were scattered abroad. Evangelist Philip found his way to the city of Samaria, where his effective ministration converted many souls. Great signs and wonders were also made manifest. On hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, the apostles sent Peter and John down to Samaria (vs. 14). The reason was that the apostles had more experience to effectively manage the large congregation in Samaria, as well as to institute an effective church administration there.
This is hardly the case these days, as the young evangelist would have seen this huge success as an opportunity to own and manage his “personal church.” Rather, in obedience to the direction of the angel of the Lord, Evangelist Philip moved toward the south unto Gaza. There he also preached to, and converted the Ethiopian Eunuch, who in turn took the Good News to Africa. Thereafter, Philip continued his evangelism, preaching and winning more souls.
Our obligation should be to complement one another’s ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, like the early church apostles and disciples did, in order to grow the church. Enough of this contention, rivalry and in-fighting. Enough of this break-away syndrome and multiplication of mushroom churches. It’s time to work in unity for the growth of the Universal Church of Christ.
- What do you do with your spiritual gift in the Church of God?
- Lord, let your strength of character and discipline rule in my life.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Ruth 1: 1-14; Zechariah 1: 7-17; Matthew 13: 34-58
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ESOCS Devotional 2 October 2021
