“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:1, 4 (NIV)
The day mentioned in Acts chapter eight is the day Stephen was stoned to death because he refused to stop preaching the name of Jesus Christ. That day had to have been a dark and dismal day in the eyes of all the other believers. Stephen, the first martyr.
Saul had been at the forefront giving the orders to continue the stoning. Saul meant the persecution for the destruction of the believers and their faith.
God used the persecution for His glory through the spreading of the name of Jesus.
One man’s death sparked many lives of faith and conviction. What will my life and death inspire?
Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
Acts 13:47 says, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
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