I am Philip of Caesarea, often called Philip the Evangelist.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am Philip of Caesarea, often called Philip the Evangelist. I write to you with a heart full of love and joy to share my experiences and the remarkable influence of Caesarea on the growth of the early church.

Two cities in Israel had a profound impact on the spread of the Gospel. The first was Jerusalem, the birthplace of the church, where the apostles and early believers gathered. However, persecution by the Jewish leaders soon forced many believers to scatter, carrying the message of Christ to other regions. The second influential city was Caesarea, a bustling port city on the Mediterranean Sea, built by Herod the Great. This city's strategic location made it a critical hub for spreading the Gospel far and wide.

Caesarea, with its deep-water port, was a gateway for trade and travel. It was situated on the Via Maris, an ancient trade route that connected Egypt to the north through Israel and Lebanon. The Via Maris played a vital role in the economy and culture of Israel, and it was likely one of the reasons Jesus chose to base His ministry in Capernaum, a city along this route.

After the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, many believers, including myself, fled Jerusalem to escape persecution. I found refuge in Samaria, where I preached the Gospel with great success. The Holy Spirit worked powerfully, and many Samaritans believed and were baptized. Later, the Spirit led me to a desert road where I encountered an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official in charge of the treasury of Ethiopia. The eunuch was reading the book of Isaiah, and I had the privilege of explaining the Scriptures to him and baptizing him. He went on his way rejoicing, undoubtedly carrying the message of Christ back to his homeland.

Eventually, I settled in Caesarea, where I lived with my four daughters, who also served the Lord as prophets. Caesarea's location and its role as a major port city made it an ideal place for evangelism. Instead of traveling extensively, I could share the Gospel with the many travelers who passed through the city. This strategy of staying in one place while reaching many was one that Paul would later use effectively in Ephesus.

One of the most significant events in Caesarea was the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Cornelius was a God-fearing man who prayed regularly and gave generously to the poor. One day, an angel appeared to him and instructed him to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa. At the same time, the Lord gave Peter a vision, teaching him that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

When Peter arrived at Cornelius's house, he preached the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message. This event was a turning point in the early church, demonstrating that the Gentiles were also included in God's plan of salvation. The church in Jerusalem praised God, saying, "So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life" (Acts 11:18).

The influence of Caesarea continued to grow as more and more people came to know Christ. The city's strategic location allowed for the rapid spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Travelers and merchants who heard the message in Caesarea carried it to distant lands, planting seeds of faith wherever they went.

Caesarea's significance is also highlighted by Paul's imprisonment there. After being arrested in Jerusalem, Paul was taken to Caesarea, where he spent two years in custody. During this time, he boldly testified about Jesus to Roman governors and King Agrippa. Paul's unwavering faith and powerful testimony left a lasting impact on those who heard him.

As I reflect on the growth of the early church, I am filled with gratitude for the ways God used Caesarea as a hub of evangelism. The city's location and function as a port made it an ideal place for the Gospel to spread. I encourage you, dear brothers and sisters, to remember that God can use any place and any circumstance to advance His kingdom. Let us remain faithful in our calling, always ready to share the hope we have in Christ.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

In His love,

Philip of Caesarea