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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 8

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER EIGHT

We may suffer persecution for believing in Jesus Christ, but like the persecuted and scattered
church at Jerusalem, we must never stop boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. The power
and associated gifts of the Holy Spirit are never meant to draw attention to ourselves nor are
they to be used for the purpose of financial gain, rather, they should always glorify God and lead
others into salvation or a deeper walk with Him. God may perform miracles and signs through
our hands, not only to set people free, but ultimately to cause sinners to come to the saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ. We must continue to grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, continue
to pray, and be quick to obey the Spirit. In doing so, we may be led across the paths of those
sincerely seeking the truth and cause sinners to be saved from an eternity spent in hell.

Four Men Will Appear in Acts 8 whose lives greatly affect the early church. They will influence
individual lives as well as entire nations. The first man appears in the first half of chapter 8, Saul
of Tarsus who later becomes Paul the apostle. The second is Philip who becomes the first
evangelist of the church age and sees revival change an entire city at one time. The third is Simon
the Sorcerer whose stand against the gospel causes many to respond and receive the Holy Spirit.
The fourth is the Ethiopian eunuch whose conversion will change an entire nation.
SAUL: PERSECUTOR OF THE CHURCH

Saul, the witness to the stoning of Stephen is bringing great persecution to the church at
Jerusalem as he drags Christian men and women from their homes and has them thrown into
prison. Many believers flee the city, but still boldly preach the gospel wherever they go.

SAUL PERSECUTES THE CHURCH

Saul is a member of the Sanhedrin, a devoutly religious Jew deeply steeped in Judaism
(Philippians 3:4-9). As an unbeliever, Saul’s mind is blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4) through religion,
self-righteousness, and hypocrisy. Because of his religious background and persecution of the
church, Paul considers himself to be the worst man who ever lived (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Act 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution
against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the
regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Stephen’s death is the first in an extended period of persecution. Jerusalem, the headquarters
of Judaism, wants Christianity out. The church is scattered and sent out at Jerusalem (Acts 11:19;
James 1:1). This is a fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy found in chapter 1: 8.