October 16

Acts 8: 1-8
1And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. 4 Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7 for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

The stoning of Stephen had the potential of being devastating for the young church. Proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the one who forgives sins is now not just a way of getting into trouble with the authorities. It is now life threatening. The message of life is now the reason for putting someone to death.

Saul moves from this event to be more than a holder of coats. He is now the chief enthusiast In the eradication of this new movement. Under threat, what will the church do?

It does what it was called to do. It does now scatter. As it scatters, the Christians proclaim the message of Jesus and heal those who are broken. The church will undergo various times of threat. The fact of its commission to proclaim the gospel and to act on it with healing is never set aside due to local conditions.

The result is not fear, but great joy in the city of Samaria. Philip’s ministry is not trouble making, it is the source of joy. It is clear that when faced with opposition, the church responds with its mission.

Reflection questions:
1. How does your baptismal call influence your response to threat?
2. Was the scattering of the church a problem or a blessing?
3. How does the church bring joy to its “city”?