Thus far in Acts we have been introduced to two Philips: Philip the apostle (Acts 1:13) and Philip the deacon (Acts 6:5). Though it is possible that Philip the apostle is in view, it is more likely to be Philip the deacon. As evidence there is the proximity of this passage to Acts 6:5, as well as fact that Philip is distinguished from the apostles, who are said to be in Jerusalem (Acts 8:14).
Philip is a deacon and evangelist, witness, church planter and bridge builder. He is one of the seven deacons, who was chosen by the church in Jerusalem for mutual aid (Acts 6:3): men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.
This team of seven men is to support the team of apostles. Later we see this Philip (the deacon) as an evangelist, living in Caesarea, with four unmarried daughters who prophesied; this is also the place where Paul lodges (Acts 21:8–9). He is mentioned as second man beside his colleague Stephen, a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 6:5).
Stephen becomes the first martyr. The martus
(Greek for witness) becomes martyr. After the stoning of Stephen begins—at the instruction of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem—the first wave of persecution.
5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.