Week 15: The Church Scattered
Verses Covered: Acts 8:1-8
Persecution Begins
- After Stephen’s death, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.
- The believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Philip’s Ministry in Samaria
- Philip went to a city in Samaria and preached Christ.
- He performed signs, and many people were healed and delivered from unclean spirits.
The Spread of the Gospel
- Even though the church was scattered, the Gospel continued to spread.
- Joy filled the city of Samaria as they received the message of Christ.
Life Applications:
- Trust that God can use difficult situations to spread His message.
- Share the Gospel wherever God sends you, even if it’s not where you expected to be.
- Be open to reaching people who are different from you, as Philip did in Samaria.
Discussion Questions:
- How did persecution actually help spread the Gospel?
- Why was it important for Philip to preach in Samaria, a place that Jews normally avoided?
- How can we share the love of Jesus with people who are different from us?