Acts 8:1-13
Scattered by Persecution
1And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
2God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.
3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.
6The crowds all paid close attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.
7With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed.
8So there was great joy in that city.
9Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great,
10and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.”
11They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.
12But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.
Berean Standard Bible
After Stephen's death, a severe persecution begins against the church in Jerusalem. The believers scatter through Judea and Samaria, while the apostles remain. Saul ravages the church, entering homes and dragging men and women away.
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Philip goes down to Samaria and proclaims Christ. The crowds listen, see signs, and experience great joy. Simon, who had practiced sorcery, believes and is baptized, though later events will expose the need for a changed heart.
The persecution is real evil, but it does not have the final word about where the message can go.
The persecution is organized, but it does not erase the church. Saul enters house after house, drags out men and women, and puts them in prison. The believers are scattered, yet the scattered people carry the message with them. The location changes; the word keeps moving.
Philip goes down to Samaria and proclaims the Messiah. Crowds listen because they hear him and see signs of healing: unclean spirits leave with loud cries, and many who are paralyzed or lame are restored. The city responds with great joy. The mission is not driven by the comfort of the messenger. It grows in a place that persecution has forced him to enter.
Simon has practiced magic and impressed the people, who call him the Great Power of God. He believes Philip's message and is baptized, but his fascination with signs is soon tested. Luke distinguishes between being amazed by power and being reshaped by the Holy Spirit. The gospel brings joy, but it also exposes motives.
Questions
1 Why did the believers scatter?
AnswerA severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem.
2 What did the scattered believers do?
AnswerThey preached the word wherever they went.
3 What did Philip proclaim?
AnswerHe proclaimed Christ to the people of Samaria.
4 What resulted in the city?
AnswerThe people listened, saw signs, and experienced great joy.
What This Means for Us
We should never call persecution good. We can still trust that God is able to carry faithful witness into places we did not choose. Let disruption make you more attentive to where you can serve now.
Prayer
God, protect people who suffer for Jesus. Give scattered believers courage and make our homes places where your word can still be spoken. Amen.