Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

'FOUND'-May suggest that Philip next found himself in the city of Azotus, i.e. the end destination of his being "caught away". Or, it may mean that the next place where Philip preached was the city of Azotus.

'AZOTUS'-which is the ancient Ashdod of the O.T. Located near the Mediterranean Sea, about 20 miles north of Gaza and 35 miles from Jerusalem.

'PASSING THROUGH HE PREACHED THE GOSPEL TO ALL THE CITIES, TILL HE CAME TO CAESAREA'-

Points to Note:

'it was about 60 miles from Azotus to Caesarea. The plains of Philistia and Sharon are included in this area, as are many towns...In addition to Lydda and Joppa, other towns of importance were Ashkelon, Arimathea, and Antipatris.' (Reese p. 344)

Some 20 years later we still find Philip living in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). 'By that time he had become. family man, with four daughters all old enough to be prophetesses--worthy daughters of such. father.' (Bruce p. 191)

'At this time it was thickly set with villages and small cities..It was. field of labor for evangelization sufficient to occupy many years of Philip's life.' (McGarvey p. 164)

'The route which Philip would naturally take on this journey led through Lydda and Joppa and we may trace the effects of his preaching in the appearance in Acts 9:32; Acts 9:36.' (Boles p. 140)

CLOSING OBSERVATIONS:

'Take the people evangelized. The people with whom Philip shared the good news were different in race, rank, and religion. The Samaritans were of mixed race, half-Jewish and half-Gentile, and Asiatic, while the Ethiopian was..probably. Jew by birth or. proselyte. As of rank, the Samaritans were presumably ordinary citizens, whereas the Ethiopian was. distinguished public servant...That brings up religion. The Samaritans revered Moses but rejected the prophets...The Ethiopian, on the other hand, had. strong attachment to Judaism...So the Samaritans were unstable and credulous, while the Ethiopian was. thoughtful seeker after the truth. Yet despite their differences in racial origin, social class and predisposing religious condition, Philip presented them both with the same good news of Jesus.' (Stott p. 163)

Notice how the Gospel message breaks down social, cultural and racial barriers. Philip, the Samaritans and the eunuch all saw the same truth. In spite of the fact that in both situations people were operating under prejudices, misconceptions and preconceived ideas.

Philip willing preached to people that were of. different race, nationality or social class than himself. He considered the Gospel message as being for all.