Lesson 359

(Lesson 359)(08-08-12) Acts 8:1-8, "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. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city."

This lesson tells us of *Saul/Paul's approval of Stephens death and the horrible treatment he inflicted on the early Church, he tortured and imprisoned many of them before his conversion.
The attempted Roman and Jewish purge of early Christians scattered them into many outlying areas. Even knowing they could be killed, the disciples kept preaching the gospel of Jesus throughout the region.
Philip preached to the people in Samaria, and performed many miracles. Many of the Samaritans were added to the ranks of the disciples (Church), "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did."
*Saul was a Jew, but he was also a Roman citizen and soldier.~