The Persecution of the Church
Acts 8:1 - 8:4
And Saul approved of their killing him.
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word.
Thoughts and questions
Tertullian was one of the ‘church fathers’ from the second century. He lived during a time when the was extensive persecution of the church. He is creditted with the saying:
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church
Following the execution of stephen must have been such and shock and an intense time for the church. The believers had to transition from the loving community where the power of God was being demonstrated by miracles and everyone was full of hope in Jesus the Messiah. To all of a sudden they are being gathered up and thrown in jail while others fled the city. Though people mourned Stephen the text suggests that this was very rushed as Saul was so quickly arresting people.
Yet the people were not deterred. Even as they left their homes and their comforts they still had incredible hope in Jesus and proclaimed His story and teachings where ever they went. I am reminded of a verse from Jesus’ sermon on the mount in Matthew:
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of me. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way the treated the prophets who came before you.
Prayer
Lord, none of us want to face trials.
We all want to be liked.
It hurts when people speak against us.
Lord, fill be with courage.
Let your teachings/ your ways become deeply ingrained in me
That I might share of your great love.
No matter what I might face.
Let your will be done.