.During the persecution in Jerusalem, the foot Christians scattered, or rather were „rozosiati“ by the destruction of the Holy Spirit, around the area. Yesterday we read about how Philip got north, to Samaria, and announced Christ there. Today we see that his mission continues south of Jerusalem. The introduction reminds us of car navigation: „Get up and go south to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza…“ (v. 26). This instruction from the angel of the Lord is followed by the instruction of the Spirit: „Go and join that car.“ (v. 29). It is not surprising that Philip immediately follows the given instructions. Until now, we have not heard his voice, but we have been able to observe his commitment and readiness in the service of the word.
Evanjelium, as good news about the resurrected Jesus, and the hope for a new life with him, reached large groups for the time being; to a huge crowd on the day of Pentecost, to the members of the council, to the people of Samaria. Today, Filip meets an individual. He devotes his time, attention and experience of faith to one man; to the Ethiopian nobleman. The most common evangelization is individual. We see here a personal dimension that is so important. The Lord God takes us as his people, as the family of his children, but at the same time he speaks to everyone personally, in an appropriate and unique way. We too need to cultivate a personal approach when passing on the faith. Let’s also note that Philip no longer receives precise instructions, but acts creatively.
Awe would be disappointed if we wanted to quote Philip accurately in some study. The Acts of the Apostles preserved his only words for us, and they are in the form of a question: „ And do you understand what you are reading?“ (v. 30). A well-asked question is often better than a number of lectures. Filip does not teach, but enters into dialogue with a question. God already prepared the ground in the heart of the Ethiopian nobleman by reading the prophet Isaiah. The eunuch also asks; and all the time he is actually just asking. It is true here that whoever asks will find out. They are also well-asked questions that lead to water and the eunuch is baptized (v. 36.38). The desolate road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza turns out to be a very fertile environment after all, because a new person is born here in the water of baptism.
We thank our God that there are no desolate places for him. Let’s ask that his word revive what is dried up in us. And let us, like the baptized great man, continue on our way filled with joy.
