Persecution Scatters the Church

God's Urgent Call
Calling of Prophets

Called to Break Down Barriers

Acts 8:1-8 The Message

Simon the Wizard

8 1-2 That [The stoning of Stephen] set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles. Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral—not many dry eyes that day!
3-8 And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail. Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus. Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah. When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God’s action, they hung on his every word. Many who could neither stand nor walk were healed that day. The evil spirits protested loudly as they were sent on their way. And what joy in the city!

For Reflection

God gives all of us, including Saul, the freedom to choose. Saul chooses to defend his faith in a violent eradication.

But, rather than quelling the movement, his action spurred it on.  The love and courage of the Disciples drew converts and Christians were scattered to carry the Good News everywhere they went.

Evil was Saul's choice.  God was the choice of the faithful.

Pray

Praise God for the acts of the faithful to advance the Kingdom of God. Pray for those whose action and words bring others to understand and obey a loving, living God. Pray for the false teachers, who like Saul, are seduced by their religion into the idolatry of "being right" not righteous.