Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 8:1-25

 

Acts 8:25

So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

(NKJV)

 

In John 16:33, Jesus reminds those following Him that, in the fallen world in which we live, there will be trouble or persecution, but He promises that He has overcome the world. This is what Jesus demonstrated by resurrecting from the dead, conquering sin, and death. After Stephen's martyrdom, the church is about to face persecution, but this does not deter them from carrying out the mission Jesus gave them (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). The question asked of the church in our times is, will we have the same tenacity when persecution comes?

 

Saul, who was present at the stoning of Stephen, consented to his death. Great persecution arose against the Church, causing disciples to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles (Acts 8:1). While devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him, Saul made havoc of the church, entering houses, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison (Acts 8:2-3). However, instead of cowering in fear, the scattered believers went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them, accompanied by miracles, causing them to heed the things spoken of by Phillip, bringing great joy to the city (Acts 8:5-8).

 

In Samaria, there was a sorcerer named Simon who astonished the people of the city with his sorcery, claiming to be someone great, with the people saying he was the great power of God (Acts 8:9-11). However, when the people began to heed the teachings of Phillip, they were baptized, including Simon, who was astonished by the miracles Philip performed (Acts 8:12-13). Word of this got the attention of the apostles in Jerusalem, with Peter and John paying them a visit (Acts 8:14). Upon arriving in Samaria, Peter and John prayed that the new believers might receive the Holy Spirit, for as of yet, they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:15-16). When Peter and John laid hands on the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).

 

When Simon saw this miracle, he was astonished, like he was with the miracles he saw by Phillip, and offers Peter and John money so he could also have this power (Acts 8:18-19). Peter rebukes Simon, saying that his money should perish with him because he believed he could purchase the power of God with money (Acts 8:20). Peter continues his rebuke by saying Simon will have no part in the matter because his heart is not right with God (Acts 8:21). Peter tells Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray God will forgive him of the thought of his heart (Acts 8:22). Simon’s heart is poisoned with bitterness, and he is bound by iniquity (Acts 8:23). Simon asks Peter to pray none of the things Peter said to him will come upon him (Acts 8:24). After preaching the word of the Lord in the city, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).

 

The efforts to silence the preaching of the Gospel only succeeded in scattering believers, who then preached the Gospel as they went. The early believers were missional-focused and, as they scattered, actually took the message of the gospel outside of Judea to Samaria (Acts 1:8). The remainder of the mission outlined in the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) will begin to have fulfillment after the conversion of Paul and continues today.

 

Each of us who professes faith in Jesus Christ as savior must search our hearts to determine whether we will continue to share the Gospel when persecution comes. Believers in Jesus Christ today must ask themselves if they will have the courage of Peter and John, who believed it was an honor to suffer persecution for the Lord (Acts 5:41-42). In nations like Iran, where believers suffer hard persecution for their faith, the Church thrives because believers have the tenacity to press on. However, in places where there is no hard persecution, but only a soft persecution from friends and family with no threat to life, we must search our hearts. As the coming of the Lord draws near, there will be hard persecution as foretold by Jesus (Matthew 24:9-10). There will also be a rise in false prophets spewing deceptive theology, deceiving many (Matthew 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:3). Because of the rise in lawlessness, the hearts of many will grow cold, but the gospel will be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:12-14). As we continue to pray for revival, let us search our hearts and grow in the steadfastness of our faith and not grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive forgiveness of your sins and make Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.