Acts 21:9
[Speaking of Philip] He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
Thoughts for Today:
The few words of our passage today tell us a lot about Philip and his family. We already know from our previous passage, they were a hospitable family (because Paul and his companions had been invited to stay with them); and today we catch a glimpse of their spiritual nature. How do we know about their spiritual nature? By the evidence presented: Philip "had four unmarried daughters [virgins] who prophesied."
Caesarea has been described by Biblical historians as "a wicked, sin-filled, hedonistic beach city, dominated by Gentiles." Yet Philip's daughters were identified as being pure -- virgins. Philip must have taught his daughters that, as Proverbs 6:32 declares, the person involved in sexual immorality destroys his/her own soul. Philip's daughters have also been described as each having the gift of prophecy which was one of the first century church's most valuable spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." [Continued in verse 3] "Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." It is so important for us to stress within our own families the importance and blessing of purity and the spiritual gifts that follow and flow from it -- especially as our society bombards our children with messages about sexual promiscuity and permissiveness.
We were first introduced to Philip in Acts 6 as a dedicated worker; then later in Acts 8 as a dynamic preacher; now we see him in Acts 21 as a devoted father. I think there is a strong connection between the hospitality of Philip's home and the spirituality of his house. Philip lived to serve the Lord, and in this same way his daughters reflected his servant's heart.
Caesarea has been described by Biblical historians as "a wicked, sin-filled, hedonistic beach city, dominated by Gentiles." Yet Philip's daughters were identified as being pure -- virgins. Philip must have taught his daughters that, as Proverbs 6:32 declares, the person involved in sexual immorality destroys his/her own soul. Philip's daughters have also been described as each having the gift of prophecy which was one of the first century church's most valuable spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." [Continued in verse 3] "Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." It is so important for us to stress within our own families the importance and blessing of purity and the spiritual gifts that follow and flow from it -- especially as our society bombards our children with messages about sexual promiscuity and permissiveness.
We were first introduced to Philip in Acts 6 as a dedicated worker; then later in Acts 8 as a dynamic preacher; now we see him in Acts 21 as a devoted father. I think there is a strong connection between the hospitality of Philip's home and the spirituality of his house. Philip lived to serve the Lord, and in this same way his daughters reflected his servant's heart.
Questions to Ponder:
What does the hospitality of your home and spirituality of your children say about you and your heart? For some, like Philip, it heaps volumes of praise upon us. For others -- well let's just say we hope everyone does not judge us by the actions of our children.
If we want to have a home more like Philip's (hospitable and spiritual), what can we do? Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." We can't protect our children from every negative influence out there, but we can surely lead by example.
What has your example been lately?
Are you seeking His kingdom?
Anything need to change?
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