The kingdom of God spreads through persecution

The kingdom of God does not spread through planning and strategy, but through persecution (Acts 8:1-25).

Philip is one of the seven deacons (Acts 6:5) who were expelled from Jerusalem.

Philip comes to an important city in Samaria. It is possibly Sebaste, the capital of Samaria, or Sychar, the “religious capital” of the Samaritans on the eastern slope of Mount Ebal. Jesus was also received there a few years earlier (John 4:5-42). It is an area shunned by the Jews, where believers in Jesus find peace from their persecutors. Others probably go to relatives in Judea.

Instead of resigning and doubting God’s love, the exiles see their persecution as an opportunity to proclaim their faith.

Wherever they are, they live and proclaim their faith.

Jesus’ promise is fulfilled: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (martyrs) in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

more from Acts: https://jesus-news-israel.net/tag/acts/

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