
Outbless Weekly
Outbless Weekly is a podcast of the bible study hosted by Michael Metcalf who studied at Calvary Chapel Bible College and has been a volunteer bible teacher for over 20 years. Michael teaches verse by verse, book by book as the Holy Spirit leads. Listen to the Outbless Weekly Podcast as we travel through the bible. You will quickly learn the bible in-depth and begin to deepen your understanding of God's amazing Word. You may also contact Michael at mm@outbless.com
Outbless Weekly
Acts, Chapter 8 - Saul Persecutes the Church
Acts, Chapter 8 - Saul Persecutes the Church
8 Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.
And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.
- Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him (Stephen) to death
o This is why did nothing when they laid their coats by him to stone Stephen
- And that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem
o The evil leaders went into their rage and killed Stephen
o When it was over, they continued in their rage “on that day”
- And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria
o All the Christian believers split (because they were afraid of these evil religious leaders and that they may be killed too)
o Except the apostles (notice they didn’t run; they remained in faith)
- Some devout men buried Stephen
o And made loud lamentation over him (loud wailing noises)
o They obviously weren’t afraid of who saw them either
o They were devout (devoted to God, strong in the word and in the Spirit)
- But Saul began ravaging the church
o Entering house and after house (it was extreme and personal)
o And dragging off men and women (it was violent)
o He would them in prison (he would imprison them)
o This shows the hardness of Saul’s heart and zeal against Christians
§ He was sincerely wrong!
Philip in Samaria
4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.
- Therefore (because of this great persecution in Jerusalem)
- Those who had been scattered went about preaching the word
o All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (so the persecution caused the Word to spread) 😉
- Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them
o Samaria was full of half-breeds (half Jews and half greeks)
o The Jews hated the people in Samaria (they thought of them as dogs)
o So this was a place the Jews were not likely going to go
o Philip does not see them as dogs; he sees them as God’s children (valuable)
o So he goes preaches there (it was certainly safer then Jerusalem at the time)
o But I like the fact that he kept proclaiming Christ in-spite of the persecution
6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.
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