Acts 8:1

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day. great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

'CONSENTING'-4909. suneudokeo soon-yoo-dok-eh'-o; from 4862 and 2106; to think well of in common, i.e. assent to, feel gratified with: -allow, assent, be pleased, have pleasure.

-'hearty agreement' (NASV); 'fully approved of' (Wey). (Acts 22:20) 'signifying entire approval' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 207)

Point to Note:

Operating from. wrong premise,. very intelligent, devout and educated man can be completely wrong (Acts 26:9; Acts 22:3). Notice that zeal isn't. safeguard against believing error (Romans 10:1). Apparently Saul observed the trial of Stephen, heard his defense, knew the charges, witnessed the stoning, and from his perspective concluded that the right thing had been done.

'ON THAT DAY'-'the martyrdom of Stephen acted like the first taste of blood to. wild beast.' (Boles p. 121)

'GREAT PERSECUTION'-'The tumult did not subside when Stephen was dead. The persecutors went looking for others to "discipline" until they either recanted..or were dead! It is clear from the following record that this persecution involved much suffering, imprisonment..' (Reese p. 313). See Hebrews 10:33.

'THEY WERE ALL SCATTERED ABROAD'-'All' here doesn't refer to every Christian, for. congregation continued to exist in Jerusalem, even after this persecution (Acts 9:26). But it does suggest that many Christians were forced to flee.

'JUDAEA'-'The neighboring Judean towns, Hebron, Gaza, Lydda, and Joppa, became places of refuge.' (Reese p. 314)

'SAMARIA'-'In the time of Jesus, Palestine west of the Jordan River was divided into the three provinces of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea..Situated between Galilee and Judea, Samaria was the natural route for traveling between those two provinces.' (Nelsons p. 941)

Points to Note:

'in Samaria they would find. welcome simply because they were being persecuted by the Jewish religious leaders.' (Reese p. 314)

In view of the fact that orthodox Jews wouldn't even travel through Samaria (they would travel east, cross the Jordan River, and detour around Samaria), this territory would provide safe haven (John 4:9).

Here we see the gospel beginning to penetrate the regions outlined in Acts 1:8.

'Some have suggested that. reason why God permitted this persecution was because the early Christians were becoming settled and contented in Jerusalem.' (Reese p. 314) But we must reject this view: (a) The church was being instructed by inspired men (the apostles). (b). solid foundation had to be established, members needed training and instruction before they could teach others (Acts 2:42).

'EXCEPT THE APOSTLES'-'no doubt because they conceived it to be their duty to stay at their posts.' (Bruce p. 175) 'They, like faithful watchmen, remained at their post, to confirm the souls of those disciples who for one reason or another were unable to flee..' (P.P. Comm. p. 250) Seeing that Jerusalem was. constant center of religious activity, they may have also stayed to preach to those Jews that were continually coming to the various feasts.