My, how quickly things can change! The baby church had been in such great favor with the people. It was growing by leaps and bounds.
But then came that awful day of Stephen's stoning. (Acts 8:1-8) "And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." And ironically this is when the soon to be apostle Paul (Saul) "began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison."
But then came that awful day of Stephen's stoning. (Acts 8:1-8) "And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." And ironically this is when the soon to be apostle Paul (Saul) "began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison."
The good news is that those fleeing for their lives "went about preaching the word." Philip even went to "detestable" Samaria and proclaimed Christ. And because many were healed and freed, "there was much rejoicing in that city".
This baby church had a passion for Christ unmoved by consequences.
Lord, fire us up to be passionate for you no matter what comes our way.
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