The Church Moves Forward

THE SITUATION

An important, respected leader in the church has been publicly and brutally murdered (Ac. 6:5, 8-10; 7:57-8:3).

An intense, radical Pharisee is violently attacking the church like a wild boar destroying a vineyard (cp. Ac. 8:3; Ps. 80:13; Ac. 26:9-11).

An immediate, unplanned situation forces believers out of their homes and “scatters” them throughout the surrounding regions (8:1).

THE THEREFORE

Away from the comforts of home, instruction of the apostles, and stability of the greater Christian community, we may assume the mass effort to stop the Jesus movement was effective. 

Although many left friends, family, and belongings behind, they carried something more important with them — the gospel (Ac. 8:4). “Therefore, those who scattered went everywhere preaching the word” (Ac. 8:4).

The attempt to eradicate Christianity, ironically, provided a spark that spread the gospel like wildfire into other nations. 

THE SPREAD

Philip, a brother formerly involved in the daily distribution, finds himself in hostile territory (Ac. 8:5; Jn. 4:9; Mt. 10:5-6).

The Samaritans were racially, culturally, and theologically in a league of their own; they were disdained by both Jews and non-Jews (Lk. 10:33; 17:16; Jn. 8:48).

The gospel message brought joy to an entire city (Ac. 8:5-8). The message of the Messiah, His kingdom, and His name provoked men and women to act upon their faith and be baptized (8:5, 12-13).

THE MESSAGE

God will take you where you want to go just likely not in the way you envisioned (Ac. 1:8; 8:4-5; 19:21; 28:16). Work with Him (Eph. 3:20).

Whatever path life takes you upon, take the good news with you (Ac. 8:4). You are an advancer of the kingdom no matter where you are (Ac. 10:34-38; 16:25-34; 17:18-34; Phil. 1:12-14).

Millions of people have been prepared for the gospel (cp. Jn. 3:23; 4:1-36). The scattered seed will produce a harvest when you partner with God (Mk. 4:26-29; 1 Cor. 3:6-9).