What happened in yesterday’s Daily? Extreme persecution for preaching the Word in Jerusalem. And what is happening in today's Daily? The continued preaching of the Word in Judea and Samaria, despite that persecution. Doesn’t this seem like a sort of backward reaction? Well, this is what it looks like to be obedient to the command of Jesus found in Acts 1.8:

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

It is not by Philip’s–or any of the individual disciples’–own power, will, or strength…it is by the Holy Spirit’s, as promised by Jesus. Without something supernatural intervening, how else would a human persevere through trials like watching and burying the first martyr (or defined another way as ‘witness’, if we connect back to Acts 1.8), or like watching their community’s livelihood be ripped to shreds by opposition? And all because of their seemingly simple–and easily renounceable–allegiance to Jesus.

But read through this morning’s passage and take note of what can happen if the Church persists through even the darkest persecution and remains devoted and obedient to the commands of Jesus. While doing so, attempt to put yourself in these shoes, and ask: How would I react? Do I know, trust, and believe Jesus to the extent that my allegiance to Him would be refined by this type of fire, and not burned to ashes? [I Peter 1.6-9]

[Acts 8.4-8]

8.4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Do you think the disciples thought this was what Jesus meant in Acts 1.8?

+ Having probably just been told of Philip’s experience with persecution, why do the Samaritans have “so much joy”?

+ So far into Acts, we have seen this phrase: “one accord”. What does this mean?

+ With real, historical reports like this, can one believe that becoming a disciple of Jesus is something to be taken lightly? And so why do we hear of so many people in our culture/society easily renouncing Jesus, whether by word or action?

+ When looking back through history, including these first accounts, why does persecution so often lead to the advancement of the Gospel? How does this bring encouragement to us now?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ As a 21st-century follower of Jesus, how does Acts 1.8 relate to me? The entire Book of Acts?

+ We encourage you to go to the Lord “poor in spirit” [Matthew 5.3] and reflect on how you would react to being placed in persecution like the early church experienced, or like how brothers and sisters across the world are experiencing today. What areas of my heart and lifestyle might the Lord need to refine?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Where are my Jerusalem (Hometown), Judea (Own Culture), Samaria (Nearby Culture), and (not '“or”) Ends of the Earth (Jesus not known)?