Go unto Gaza, which is desert

The widespread persecution at the hand of Saul seemed to be devastating to the infant church. Believers were imprisoned as the level of persecution was intensified. The vicious fury gave furtherance to the gospel as its seed was sown farther afield: the disciples went everywhere preaching the word. The church’s trial of faith which occurred here on a massive scale was working a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in the plan and purposes of God, 2 Cor. 4. 17.

Philip, directed by the Spirit to Samaria, preached Christ to the people. Whenever this is done, spiritual fruit will be realized. God’s word never returns to Him void, Isa. 55. 11. Multitudes believed, Acts 8. 6; people were healed, v. 7; joy abounded, v. 8, and lives were changed as God was glorified. Why would anyone want to prevent the preaching of the gospel? Yet even this success was not without distraction as Simon the sorcerer foolishly sought to purchase the gift of God to increase his power and influence, vv. 18-20. His ‘descendants’ continue to this day. His profession of faith seemed but a sham, and he was rebuked for the thought of his heart, v. 22.

Despite the progress of the gospel in the north, Philip was directed by an angel to go to Gaza, a desolate, desert region to the south. Angels certainly could have done the work, but the Great Commission has been given for men to act upon. Philip’s charge was to fulfil a divine appointment to meet a man of great authority on his homeward journey from Jerusalem. It underscores the worth of a soul that the Lord would direct Philip’s steps to leave a fruitful ministry to attend to the spiritual needs of just one person. God’s ways are not ours, and His strategy to reach the lost is under His control. The witness of the servant is evidenced as Philip promptly acted to intercept the inquiring soul who held the scriptures in his hands but not his heart. He had been unmoved by his religious activities. The work of salvation is obvious when the eunuch requests baptism and the way of the Spirit is seen as He went on his way rejoicing, forgiven, and filled with joy, v. 39. One moment, this man was a traveller on the road to Gaza; the next, travelling to glory!