Among those to whom the Saviour had given the commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” were many from the humbler walks of life,—men and women who had learned to love their Lord, and who had determined to follow His example of unselfish service. To these lowly ones, as well as to the disciples who had been with the Saviour during His earthly ministry, had been given a precious trust. They were to carry to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ.
When they were scattered by persecution, they went forth filled with missionary zeal.... The Lord wrought through them. Wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.
Philip, one of the seven deacons, was among those driven from Jerusalem. He “went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits ... came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”—The Acts of the Apostles, 105-106. RRe 301
Not until the providences of God are seen in the light of eternity shall we understand what we owe to the care and interposition of His angels. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes; they have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have thwarted the spoiler's purpose and turned aside the stroke of the destroyer. Hvn 150
Then Philip went down to the
city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.... And there was great
joy in that city. Acts 8:5, 8. KJV