Scattered or emboldened

Thank you! It has been a great memorial day. I think it is also very fitting that we are talking about those who gave their lives for the gospel! I agree that chapter 8, appears to indicate God using the persecution as a means to spread the gospels - perhaps getting believers out of their comfort zone so to speak, however THESE men and woman were not in a "comfort zone" (we should not attribute to them our own conditions – of the church). I sense that this discussion is headed toward a valuable and rewarding dialogue rather then a simple debate, therefore offer the following that we may continue - at your leisure.

I see a very strong or "hard" contradiction in the words of verse 4, one half lending to the traditional interpretation you propose; verse 5 seems to confirm the other half - that I am (rather poorly) attempting to uncover. I believe their is only one solution to resolve this contradiction or conflict of terms – reexamination of the text.

Verse 3 is clear Saul wreaked havoc of the Church, "entering every house and haling men and woman into prison." No mention of fleeing or fear.

Verse 4 is where I see the conflict "Therefore they that were scattered abroad" presumably sent their in fear of their lives from the afore mentioned persecution - but if this is the correct interpretation (and I believe there are others) then the sentence goes right where it should logically go left. They "went every where preaching the Word" NOT HIDING in fear. It is inconsistent to say in one breath that they fled in terror and preached the Word - unless they did so rather hurriedly (and not very convincingly). If it is to be understood by this written account of Luke, an associate of Paul, that fear was a predominant factor then an explanation for the bold effective preaching of the gospel would have certainly followed. I submit that any explanation, however, would lay waste any claim that fear had a significant role, for they would have had to overcome it and start again from the beginning in obedient faith – God’s only game plan. At the end of the day the only effective means of spreading the Gospel remains faith. It is our resistance and overcoming of fear that brings the victory, not our surrender.

Once faith, in the face of overwhelming persecutions, is established as the correct context of these verses, not fear, they become much clearer. There is no reason to associate fear with the reference of those “that were scattered” Jesus used the word “flee” in telling His disciples to go to another city if being persecuted in one - without advocating fear. Many others have wisely left scenes of persecution without fear. Paul was let down in a basket, Jesus Himself avoided being captured or killed until He willingly gave His life. None of these examples required the use of fear. I personally wonder, however, if this portion refers those - already scattered abroad – believers of the dispersion (having gone home after Pentecost). Emboldened by the great example set by Stephen and others – “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word"

Verse 5 equally stands in stark contrast to the presumed "fear" doctrine attributed to the previous verse. Philip is mentioned separately. "Then Philip WENT down to the City of Samaria and preached Christ to them". In this verse no idea of fear can be derived. Philip was decisive about going, with a distinct purpose - proactive not reactive. I believe Philip is the example, specifically mentioned by name, of the character of the early body of Christ that turned the world upside down.

God Bless!

Richard

ADDED Later

Acts 11:19 “speaking the Word to NONE except Jews” Not exactly the explosion of the Church!! But then we read about some of a different sort . . . those from Cyprus and Cyrene, who when they had come to Antioch spoke to the Hellenist, preaching the Lord Jesus.