(a) Describe Philip's missionary activities in Judea and Samaria [9 marks] (b) State any three problems facing evangelism in your country. [6 marks]

Answer Details

(a) Philip's missionary activities in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:4-40)

• Following the persecution that arose after Stephen's death, the believers were scattered and went about preaching the word; Philip, one of the seven deacons, went down to a city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them.
• The crowds gave heed with one accord to what Philip said, as they heard him and saw the signs he did.
• Unclean spirits came out of many, crying with a loud voice, and many paralysed and lame people were healed, so there was great joy in that city.
• A magician named Simon, who had amazed the people with his sorcery, also believed and was baptized, and continued with Philip, astonished at the signs and miracles performed.
• When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word, they sent Peter and John, who prayed for the converts to receive the Holy Spirit and laid hands on them.
• Simon offered the apostles money to obtain the power to give the Holy Spirit, but Peter rebuked him sharply, telling him to repent of his wickedness.
• An angel then directed Philip to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, returning from worship and reading Isaiah in his chariot.
• The Spirit told Philip to join the chariot; beginning from that Scripture, Philip preached to him about Jesus.
• Coming to some water, the eunuch was baptized; then the Spirit caught Philip away, and he was found at Azotus, preaching in all the towns till he reached Caesarea.

(b) Three problems facing evangelism in our country

• Insecurity and persecution: violence, kidnapping and hostility in some areas make it dangerous for evangelists to reach people.
• Poor funding and logistics: lack of money for transport, materials and support hinders missionary work, especially in remote areas.
• Materialism and false prophets: the love of money and the activities of false teachers discredit the gospel and turn people away from the true message.