Persecuted But Not Destroyed

Acts 8

What strikes me in this chapter is what happens when persecution breaks out against the church in Jerusalem. Although the believers are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, far from silencing their witness, “those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

The church didn’t cower in fear, they didn’t hide away in a holy huddle and they didn’t compromise their message. They proclaimed the word of Christ boldly as they went. In much of the world today where persecution against the church intensifies, the results are similar.

I’m not saying that I’d ever wish for it, but I wonder what would happen if violent persecution arose against the church in America. Would we fall away or would we fall to our knees in prayer? Would we keep quiet or would we keep preaching Christ? Would we retreat under intimidation or would we rise up under the banner of our Lord Jesus to press on to win the prize for which He has called us heavenward?

The Holy Spirit’s activity through Philip is highlighted in this chapter, as he preaches to the crowds in Samaria, then to the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. As you read, praise God that people still believe in Christ when the gospel is preached, and remember to pray for those who are being persecuted, that the message might continue to go forth.