Memorize: Rising persecution scatters church
Key Verses: 3, 4, 8, 17, 25, 31, 39
Compared to what happened to Stephen, Saul’s response was very measured. He had them arrested. At least there would be some kind of judicial hearing, rather than mob justice.
But the more the Believers were scattered, the more they preached. And when they responded, joy was the result. When we are set free from the burden of sin, joy overtakes us. This even happens in a place thought to be beyond hope, Samaria. Samaria became a place of rejection, a place of mixed race people who from the Jewish perspective had polluted the worship of the LORD. But now they are responding to the hope offered in Christ.
When Peter and John arrive to authenticate what God is doing among them, the Holy Spirit shows up in a way that is tangible. There was something that happened, either seen or heard or both, that was observed by those present. Simon the Sorcerer sees what happens and he wants the power to do this himself. Baby Believers often get some things wrong, and Simon was no exception.
Prejudice can be cured with a large dose of grace. This is what happens people fully embrace Jesus. Old thoughts about other people groups are radically transformed. Enemies become friends. The old walls come tumbling down. When Jesus is the center of the message then God is able to make us one in Him.
But the message of Jesus spreads to Africa by chariot. Here is an educated man unable to understand what he is reading. This can happen when someone tries to understand the Scriptures without a willingness to hear what God wants to say. If we are willing to hear the message, the Holy Spirit makes our hearts receptive to the message. This is what happens to this eunuch. He wants to know and the LORD uses Philip to open his heart and mind. And joy is the result of belief in Jesus.
The more persecution arises, the more the Church scatters and grows. It crosses all the old boundaries and reaches more and more people. We are a result of this persecution.
REVIEW: Run the Phrases.
The Arnold Journey 