The physician Luke wrote how Saul was consenting to Stephen's death, “and at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison”, and in chapter eight and verse four of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” where we read:
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
The verse begins, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad ...” Luke began with the words, “therefore they” which means “then, wherefore, consequently and on this account the believers in Jesus” “that were scattered abroad” or “who were dispersed” did the following. Luke shared how the people who believers in the church in Jerusalem and were dispersed took the following action.
The verse goes on to say, “... went every where preaching the word.” Luke continued with the words, “went every where” which means “traveled, journeyed and passed through each, the whole, all and everyone of the places and locations” “preaching the word” or “announcing and bringing the good news and joyful tidings of God's kindness and in particular about the Messianic blessings”. Luke shared how the dispersed believers in Jerusalem departed and “proclaimed” the gospel of Jesus Christ every where they went.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the church of Jesus was expanding. Just as Jesus said, they were to begin in Jerusalem, then Judaea, then Samaria and then to the uttermost parts of the world. “God so loved the world, that he sent his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life”. (See John 3:16) The believers in Jesus departed from Jerusalem because of persecution, and their proclamation of the “good news” of Jesus Christ continues to spread throughout the world today. Let all who read these words become believers in Jesus to receive forgiveness of sins and the ability to live forever with God.
Next time Luke shares how, “Philip went down to the city of Samaria”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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