November’s memory verse:

“And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” — Acts 10:42–43

Acts Chapter 8

As chapter 8 opens up, we see something occurring that has not happened before. For the past seven chapters, the witness has stayed within Jerusalem and Judea. However, now that persecution against the church has picked up, there is a definite scattering. At the beginning, we briefly meet Saul, who approved the execution of Stephen and ravages the church. But not all is bad—God is sovereign and in control. In the midst of (and as a result of) this persecution, the gospel is going forth, fulfilling the great commission. For example, in chapter 8, Philip goes down to a city of Samaria, where the Holy Spirit does signs and wonders through him. Verse 8 tells us that there was much joy in the city. Then we meet Simon and the Ethiopian Eunuch and can learn a lot about our own faith as we see the way they respond to the Holy Spirit.

If you need a quick review of last week, scroll down for chapter seven.

Here are a few application questions to ponder this week:

Because of persecution, the believers were forced out of their homes in Jerusalem. This enabled them to share the gospel in Judea and Samaria. When have you ever been forced out of your comfort zone because of external circumstances beyond your control? Looking back, can you see God’s purpose in this time of discomfort? What were the fruits that came out of this season in your life?
Philip had a sensitivity to the prompting and direction of the Holy Spirit. In what circumstances have you been prompted by the Holy Spirit to do or say something that you would not have done on your own? Did you obey? What were the results?

Summary of chapter 7:

Stephen addresses the council and the high priest in regards to the blasphemous charge brought against him in reference to Moses, God, the law and the temple.
Stephen carefully retells the history of the Jewish people and their unfaithfulness to God who is faithful. He points to the many ways they have rejected the prophets that God has sent them. (see verse 52)
As he becomes more passionate about declaring the word, the council and the people around are cut to the heart by the truth. Instead of repentance they gnashed their teeth in anger and stop their ears.
In the height of the furry, Stephen sees God’s glory and Jesus standing at His right hand. When he testifies to these things, the crowd throws him out of the city to be stoned.
Just like Jesus did while he was on the cross, Stephen prays for those who have persecuted him and asks the Father to not hold this sin against them.

This Year’s Memory Verse

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. “

Acts 1:8