Acts 8:1-4 Persecution of the church led by Saul

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   Well, we now know that Stephen spoke the truth to the Sanhedrin and people, the word was rejected, false witnesses came forth, and Stephen was stoned but yet he remained calm during his dissertation and commended his spirit to God during the stoning.

   A man named Saul was present and watched over the clothes as others stoned Stephen.  This must have given him the misguided courage he needed.  Pray we read on!

   Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

   Note, Saul approved the death.  Now begins the persecution of the church.  The target was no longer just a man, Stephen, but the church as a whole.  During this time the believers moment was called "the Way".  This persecution tended to be aimed mainly at the Hebrew or Aramaic-speaking Jews.  This persecution was deadly, causing the scattering of the Jews, yet accomplishing the will of God.

  And Stephen?  Acts 8: ² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

   They mourned over the death of Stephen. Know that Stephen was the first Christian martyr and they mourned over him, even tho it violated the Jewish law.        But what is coming?  Oh, yes, Saul.  He has not had his "come to Jesus" meeting yet.

   Acts 8: ³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

   Saul was ruthless, being the main leader in the movement against the church.  He had papers of permission from the authority of the Sanhedrin and high priest to smash down doors, arrest men and women in their homes, and then send them off to prison.  He did this as an over zealous Pharisee, believing completely that he was keeping the Law pure from the "Way" or "Christians".

   Because of his tirade, the believers were scattered abroad.

       Acts 8: ⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

   Now, they were doing Jesus' command to spread the gospel unto all the world.  They shared in other regions of Palestine and beyond.  Poor Stephen, yet courageous and the catalyst that set forth more out spreading of the gospel.  Can you see God's hand in all this.  Jesus is gone, the Sanhedrin and high priest still holding on to the law, Stephen chastises them and is stoned, Saul begins the persecution and the word spreads.  GOD IS IN CONTROL!!  Even today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny