The city was active with people present for the rituals and festivities.  Some were there for worship, others for conducting business.  Perhaps this was the setting so that the disciples could see that Jesus had come for everyone -- not just the Jews.

In this setting, Philip was approached by Greeks who were present: "We would like to see Jesus."  Whether there was a subsequent conversation with the Greeks or whether they were actually taken to Jesus is not revealed in this passage.  I believe the focus at this point is on Philip.  It's as if he is being prepared for a specific purpose later in his ministry.

In this encounter with the Greeks, Philip leaves to find Andrew.  It's as if he just leaves the Greeks alone.  Philip was always running to tell a friend or to bring a friend along.  When Philip first encountered Jesus, he left to find Nathanael to tell him.  When Nathanael questioned him, he responded, "come and see."  I used to think solely that Philip was relational -- that he wanted to "tell somebody."  Is there another perspective? Did he lack confidence in sharing with strangers?  Did he need the comfort of a friend around him? Did he want to make sure he was doing the right thing by checking with a friend?

When Philip and Andrew told Jesus of the encounter, Jesus responded:

This response gives us a picture that our lives must be turned completely over to him.  We will experience pain, struggles, and difficulties for the cause of Christ.  We don't know exactly how Jesus was working in the lives of each of the disciples in preparing them for his work after his death and resurrection.  We do know that he works in our circumstances to prepare us for his will for us (Romans 8:28).

Fast forward to the early church.  As the church was scattered because of persecution, we find Philip coming upon an Ethiopian.  Alone, he eagerly shares the good news of Jesus Christ.

What is God preparing you for?