A tremendous persecution now is allowed to break out in Jerusalem against the Church. It is as if Satan is going to do all within his power to finally smash this testimony. A man named Saul, who consented to the unrighteous stoning of Stephen, is introduced as one who creates great havoc among the believers at Jerusalem.
Many of the believers are scattered because of the persecution, but in this very scattering, God sees fit to spread the gospel message even as the believers are scattered throughout the lands.
The very first place recorded which receives this message outside of Jerusalem is the apostate land of Samaria (formerly the land which the ten rebellious tribes of Israel inhabited).
There is great blessing in the city of Samaria (the capital of the land of Samaria), and later there is great blessing in the soul of one man: the Ethiopian eunuch. The Word of God has been wonderfully spread by the very persecution that was planned to destroy it.
1. Those who were scattered away from Jerusalem continued to spread the Word of God as they fled from the persecution. What was the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to Timothy regarding preaching the Word of God?
2 Timothy 4:___
2. The subject of the message that Philip preached to those in Samaria was “Christ” (Acts 8:55Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. (Acts 8:5)). What did Paul tell the Corinthians was the subject of the message he preached? 1 Corinthians 1:___
3. The result of the message that Philip preached and the wonders that were done in the name of Christ in the city of Samaria caused great joy in the city. What was the subject of the message that the Spirit had given to the Lord Jesus to preach? Luke 4:___
4. After there had been much blessing among many people, the angel of the Lord directed Philip to go to the desert. Where did the Lord Jesus go after He had brought tremendous healing and blessing to multitudes of people?
Luke 4:___
5. After the eunuch had been saved, he continued on his way home rejoicing. Who did the man of Gadara, whom the Lord freed from the possession of demons, want to be with after he had been healed? Mark 5:___
MAY 1992