Guidance through the Holy Spirit

Philip was guided by an angel. The angel (messenger of the Lord) said to Philip, “Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” When he got up and went, he saw an Ethiopian official traveling in the same direction. This official was a eunuch in charge of all the treasures of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians (either a convert to Judaism or a proselyte of the gate). Next, Philip was guided by the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot.’” From this scripture, we understand that the Holy Spirit is not merely an influence but is One having personality. The Holy Spirit with personality spoke to Philip, saying, “Go up and join this chariot.” The Holy Spirit is the main agent of evangelism, and Philip is the vessel used for that purpose. “Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’” (1) Philip obeyed the words of the Holy Spirit immediately. In Philip running up, we can see the image of an obedient servant of Christ. (2) As he approached the chariot, he heard the man reading aloud from Isaiah 53. This was the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (Philip was a Hellenistic Jew). At that time, reading meant reading aloud. (3) So Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The Greek word for “understand” is “ginosko,” and the Greek word for “reading” is “anaginosko.” In the original text, Philip’s question is phrased very politely. “And he said, ‘Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” This is the true response of a seeker. The Ethiopian official acknowledges his need for help. He has no racial prejudice whatsoever. He humbly seeks assistance. The guidance from the angel provided a broad framework for the ministry (“Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza”), while the guidance from the Holy Spirit prompted more specific actions (“Go up and join this chariot”). Next, we learn about guidance through the Word. God leads us gradually but surely. Blessed is the person who walks a life guided by God.