Those Scattered Abroad

INTRODUCTION: At the end of Acts chapter 7 we read the story of the stoning of Stephen. This persecution scattered the church of Jerusalem (Acts 8:1) while the work of taking the good news of Jesus Christ continued. After the death of Stephen, Philip (who formerly served tables with Stephen – Acts 6:2-3, 5) stepped up to continue God’s work. Philip is the only individual in the New Testament actually referred to as an evangelist (Acts 21:8). He provides an excellent example of the work necessary to reach others with the Gospel.

2. The effects of the persecution (Acts 8:1, 4)
   a. The scattering of the believers (Acts 8:1)

1. To the regions of Judaea
2. To the regions of Samaria
3. In Acts 1:8, Christ told the disciples to be witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Yet, throughout the first few chapters of Acts, the believers seemed content to remain in Jerusalem. It was the persecution of Acts 8:1 that caused them to be “all scattered abroad” that they “went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
   b. The spreading of the word (Acts 8:4) (scattered abroad—vs 1,4)

Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52...