Acts 8:1-8 - Ministry-minded, even in hard times

Scripture:

 

Acts 8:1-8

Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.

And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

 

2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.

3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.

 

4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.

5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.

6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.

 

7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.

8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

The first widespread persecution of Christians begins (verse 1).  The church, however, does not seem to get discouraged.  Instead, they take advantage of their circumstances for ministry (verse 4).  Rather than getting depressed, they get busy in ministry!

 

It's worth noting too, that these that are scattered are not the apostles, verse 1 makes this clear.  So that these are just ordinary Christians, doing the work of their Lord.

 

How different this is, from our natural response to adversity in our lives.  We tend to get down and depressed at unwanted and difficult change.  But these people used their tragic circumstances as an opportunity for the Lord to work.  Indeed, He is beginning to accomplish what He commanded the disciples to do through these circumstances, as it drives the church out of Jerusalem and into the surrounding country.

 

Acts 1:8
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

NASU

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, help me to see the unwanted changes in my life, as opportunities for ministry.  Replace my inward focus with a focus on You; my hesitance with a willingness to follow where You lead me. 

 

Forgive me for not believing in You -- Your ability to handle whatever comes my way.  Free me from fear.  Replace it with wholehearted faith in You. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.