Expressions of Faith. Scattered
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 8:1b-3
Believers are persecuted after Stephen’s death.
Saul is mentioned for his fervor as a persecutor.
Although Christians were persecuted for following Jesus, they do not run away and hide.
Look back at Acts 1:6-8
- Jesus is asked about “restoring the Kingdom of Israel.”
- He answers by deflecting that question.
- Then He directs them to
“… be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b
The time between Pentecost and the scattering of Christians was probably between three and six months.
The number of people who heard the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 . . . maybe 120.
The followers now scatter and fulfill Christ’s directive.
What does this say about the early church?
- They passed on important teaching.
- They were whole-hearted believers.
- They obeyed what they knew was right teaching.
Chances are good that you don’t live in Jerusalem, Judea, or Samaria.
You’re most likely living in “the ends of the earth.”
What are you doing to witness
where you live as Jesus commanded?
The next Expressions of Faith is "Are you sure?!?"
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