Persecution Redeemed

Job 3-4; Acts 8-9 

“But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there…When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.”

Acts 8:3-5, 25

The persecution of the church following the stoning of Stephen scattered the disciples throughout the region, including Samaritan villages they would have formerly avoided. The pain, confusion, and cost of persecution were redeemed by the Lord for the advance of the kingdom of God beyond the Jewish culture. When our focus is on Jesus and his kingdom, rather than our own safety, comfort, or health, we, too, can live on mission regardless of our circumstances. The Samaritan woman at the well and her believing friends in Sychar probably offered shelter to kosher-believing Jews during this persecution of the Church. The Lord is able to redeem all things for his kingdom-purposes.

“Lord Jesus, redeem the price of the persecuted Church this day, for your glory.”