Philip on the Spot - Greg Laurie Devotion - October 13, 2026
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Philip on the Spot
“So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35 nlt)
According to Acts 8, Philip led a thriving ministry in the city of Samaria. Crowds flocked to hear him preach the gospel and watch him perform miraculous signs. Countless people believed his message and were baptized. The apostles Peter and John traveled to Samaria to see Philip’s ministry for themselves.
And then one day God told Philip to go to the desert. Not only did God tell him to go to the desert, but He also told him to go to Gaza, to a desolate road that was rarely used. Not only did God tell him to go to this rarely used road, but He also told him to go at the hottest time of the day. Essentially, God said, “Go to a deserted road in the middle of the desert in the middle of the afternoon and await further instructions.”
Sometimes God will tell us to do things that may not make sense in the moment. Common wisdom might have dictated that Philip stay in Samaria, where the numbers were, and continue his successful ministry. But the wisdom of God is far different from common wisdom. And who are we to question the wisdom of God? That’s why Philip was a man whom God could call on. Philip recognized that God knew exactly what He was doing.
There’s another subtle element in Philip’s story that I want to highlight. Billy Graham once said, “Time after time in my ministry I have quoted a Bible verse in a sermon—sometimes without planning to do so in advance—and afterward someone has told me it was that verse which the Holy Spirit used to bring conviction or faith.”
Knowing God’s Word is essential for any person who wants to lead others to Jesus Christ. Anyone who shares the gospel needs to use the Word of God.
When Philip met the Ethiopian in the desert, the Bible tells us, “So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus” (Acts 8:35 nlt). What if Philip had not been a student of Scripture when the Ethiopian was looking for answers? He would have had to say, “I don’t know, that’s a good question. Uh, can I get back to you?” Fortunately, Philip was well-versed in what Scripture taught.
This is why believers are told in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (nlt). I’m not saying we need to have the answer to every question. But I am saying that we need to study and prepare ourselves as effectively as possible. And if we don’t have the answer, let that propel us back into the pages of Scripture to find it for the next time that question arises.
Reflection question: How can you prepare for a God-given assignment like the one Philip received?
GO DEEPER:
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Greg Laurie is the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of Harvest Crusades. He is an evangelist, best-selling author, and movie producer. His latest film ‘Jesus Revolution,’ from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, is now available on-demand worldwide.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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