#1275. Hospitality and evangelism (26/5/25)
- Matt Beaney
- May 26
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we continue our Ready and Willing series, reflecting on the life of Philip.
Today, from the life of Philip, we reflect on why he was called an evangelist and what this gift is.
You can listen to this devotional below
‘We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.’ (Acts 21:7-9)
We read of the way that the Holy Spirit led Philip in his ministry and to Caesarea:
‘When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.’ (Acts 8:39-40)
i. Philip and his family were hospitable
This passage describes part of Paul’s return journey to the Jerusalem church as he visits and encourages different communities of believers. It’s striking to see that Philip and his family were known to Paul and offered him hospitality.
Philip is a man who opens his home. This may seem like a small detail, but being hospitable is a vital and, sadly, often neglected characteristic in the life of the church. For God's work to flourish, we must be people who welcome others into our homes and lives. Gospel work and community life are deeply intertwined.
ii. Philip is called an ‘evangelist’
Philip is given the specific title evangelist. The Greek word (euangelistḗs) means “one who brings good news”—a herald of the gospel.
While all Christians are called to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5), not everyone is an evangelist by gift. Evangelists are those for whom this calling is primary—a gift from Christ to His church. Paul writes:
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11–12)
This gift isn’t earned through training, though training may sharpen it. It is a calling we come to recognise over time, through fruitfulness and faithful service.
Evangelists help build an evangelistic church. They stir up a passion for the lost, model boldness in sharing Christ, and equip others to do the same.
And notice this key point—Philip the evangelist was hospitable. This is crucial. Evangelism isn’t just about proclamation; it often begins with a welcome. People who love others and open their homes help build the bridges necessary for gospel conversations.
In response
Let’s reflect today on the gifts Jesus gives to His church—especially the gift of the evangelist.
Who are the evangelists God is using to influence your life and church?
If you have this gift, are you deeply connected to a local church, using it to help the church grow in maturity?
And are we showing hospitality? Without a loving welcome, how can we reach our communities with the gospel?
Let’s pray together
“Lord Jesus, thank you for your hospitality—welcoming me into your Kingdom. Help me to love and welcome others as you would. Please bless your church with evangelists who stir our hearts and equip us to serve. May your church arise, brighter and bolder, carrying your gospel message to the world. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we continued our Ready and Willing? series by looking at a number of aspects of Philip’s life under the theme: There is a great inheritance and a legacy for those who remain ready and willing.
Please read Acts 21:7-9 and discuss:
Main Message – What do you think are the main ideas that God wants us to learn from this passage?
Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
Example of growth - What can we glean from the fact that Philip was called ‘the evangelist’?
Family portrait - What do we learn about Philip’s daughters, and how can we seek to be a great influence to the next generation, particularly if we are parents?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything else in this text that inspires or instructs us in our mission—how we approach people, how we listen to the Spirit, or how we respond with obedience?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation? Take time to name them and pray for them.
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the “people of peace” mentioned—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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