The Persecution of the Early Church

Good morning,

This past Sunday we looked at how Stephen’s witness for the Gospel comes to an end with his death.  But as Stephen’s story ends Saul’s story is beginning. And it begins with him as the young man who watched over the garments of the witnesses as they stoned Stephen.

There is no indication that Saul (who, of course, will later be known as Paul) himself actually lifted a stone, but he was in total agreement with what the Sanhedrin had instigated.  Luke mentioning Saul at the end of this passage likely indicates that he had a deeper involvement with this whole deal than what we read. As I mentioned, Saul was a Greek-speaking Jew, from Asia Minor, so there’s a good chance that he was one of the ones who had argued with Stephen in the Synagogue of the Freedmen in Jerusalem.

And Luke tells us that Saul was at the forefront of the great persecution that broke out against the early church.  We believe that since Stephen was a Grecian Jew, the Grecian Jewish Christians were probably the main targets of this persecution, not the Hebraic Jewish Christians.

And we believe this because Luke notes that the apostles were not scattered. Luke writes in 8:1

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Now why was that the case? After all, you would think that the apostles would have been the primary targets!

Well, let’s go back to one of the truths that Stephen declared last week - the blessings of God are not limited to the land of Israel and the temple.  The Jews of Jerusalem believe that God’s blessings were connected to the land, and now here are these Greek-speaking outsiders taking over the city with their radical beliefs.  They weren’t as concerned about keeping the Law and didn’t follow the Jewish customs.

On the other hand, the apostles and their fellow Hebraic Christians spoke Aramaic and had for the most part continued with the Jewish traditions and customs.  They were not “radicals,” and so at least most of them were able to remain in Jerusalem.

Luke’s word choice here for the dispersal of the Christians is interesting.  They were scattered like one scatters seed.  In fact, the Greek word that gets translated as “scatter” is derived from the Greek word for “seed.”  Here is the deal…scattered seeds grow!

And the irony is that the persecution and scattering of the Christians only led to their further growth in numbers.  And so, with the dispersal of the Grecian Christians that we read about in Acts 8:1-3, the fulfillment of the second phase of Jesus’ commission begins—the witness to all of Judea and Samaria

Here at Andrews Bridge we are still in the “seed scattering” business today.   The message on Sunday will include another strong invitation to receive Christ.  Combine that with the Thanksgiving fellowship meal, and it’s a great morning to invite someone to join you at the Bridge!

Here’s what’s happening (A LOT):

1.      SUNDAY – Our world-famous Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal after the service.  The youth group will meet after the meal. 

2.     SUNDAY – Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are due back at the church.

3.     The Thankfulness Tree is in the lobby.  You can pick a paper leaf and write the name of someone at church and why you are thankful for them.  Then tape the leaf to the tree.  It will be delivered to that person on the 28^th.

4.     Final call if you are interested in offering special music during Advent.

5.     We are in need of a children’s Sunday School teacher starting in 2026.  Please see me if you would be willing to help or would like more information.

6.     December Dates:

12/11 – Youth Group and Ladies Quilt Knotting

12/13 – Youth Group Christmas Party

12/14 – Double Nickels Luncheon

12/19 – ABCF Christmas Caroling.

12/21 – Children’s Christmas Program

12/24 – Christmas Eve Service

12/30 – Blessings of Hope

7.      We are taking our holiday break from Sunday School on December 21, 28, and January 4.

8.     Amber McMillon is getting ready to make a Nursery schedule for 2026.  We can always use folks who are willing to serve in this important ministry.  Please see Amber if you are interested.

9.     Next Sunday we will start our annual Advent collection for the food pantry at Solanco Neighborhood Ministries.  We will be collecting canned pasta, soup, and Spam or other canned meats for the ministry.  More info next week.

The story of the early church continues this week as we shift from Jerusalem to Samaria.  What role do miracles play in spreading the Good News of Jesus?  What’s more important – the miracles or the message?  How did God keep the early church from splintering?  Why isn’t it enough to have others pray for us in regard to our salvation?  How many questions can I ask in one sermon promo?  We are in for a fascinating study on Sunday!

Scott