1) “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” How does this saying apply to the early church in 8:1-4? In this case, was “going” a defeat or a victory initially? How did things turn out? How do you respond to tough situations?
2) As a result of the persecution, the gospel message went to Samaria (8-14). Why is this something to take notice of? What are the implications for us?
3) How closely do you listen to God? How clearly does He speak to you? How ready are you to respond?
Difficulty. Trials. Persecution. We don’t wish for these, but God seems to always use them in incredible ways. For the early church, the persecution of chapter 8 leads strongly to the advancement of the gospel message. Rather than the comfort of Jerusalem, Christ-followers are forced to take their lives and their message elsewhere.
The good news of Jesus traveled to Samaria of all places. This would have seemed unlikely because the Samaritans were seen as second-rate people of faith. That God included them is a clear sign that He desires all to know the truth.
In a scene that sounds too scripted, Philip is given a very specific task from an angel. He obeys and finds a man totally searching to understand God. In what is a totally God-arranged setting, Philip shares the truth of Jesus, the man believes and is baptized. God is working out the details of His story one life at a time. The amazing thing is that if we pay attention, we can be part of it.
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