Theme: Jesus Christ is building his catholic church; repent of pagan thinking

The office of Philip
Philip was one of seven godly men ordained by the apostles (Acts 6) possibly into the office of evangelist (cf. Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11). Their work included the organisation of diaconal relief (Acts 6:1-4), preaching/teaching (cf. Acts 6:8-14; 8:4-5) and baptising (Acts 8:12-13).

Jews and Samaritans
The Jews of Jesus’ day disliked the Samaritans because of their religious syncretism and their mixed racial heritage. A temple in Samaria located on Mount Gerizim was destroyed in 129 BC by the Jews, adding to the hostility between the two groups. During Jesus’ ministry he had positive and negative experiences with the Samaritans. He was welcomed by the woman at the well and the people of her village (John 4), but sent away by others (Luke 9:51-56). He also commanded his disciples to focus on the lost sheep of Israel rather than the towns of Gentiles and Samaritans (Matthew 10:1-8).