THE doctrine, which Stephen preached and for which he died, was carried into practice by Philip. The sacred narrative mentions two incidents in his career, each marking an onward stride in the free development of the church. It is therefore not without significance that years afterwards we find him styled "the evangelist," as if he had earned this honorable title by some signal service rendered to the gospel.
The Samaritan occupied the border land between the Jew and the Gentile. Theologically, as geographically, he was the connecting link between the one and the other. Half Hebrew by race, half Israelite in his acceptance of a portion of the second canon, he held an anomalous position, shunning and shunned by the Jew, yet clinging to the same promises and looking forward to the same hopes.
With a bold venture of faith Philip offers the gospel to this mongrel people. His overtures are welcomed with joy, and "Samaria receives the word of God." The sacred historian relates moreover, that his labors were sanctioned by the presence of the chief apostles, Peter and John, and confirmed by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "He who eats the bread of a Samaritan," said the Jewish doctor, "is as one who eats swine's flesh." "No Samaritan shall ever be made a proselyte. They have no share in the resurrection of the dead."
