Acts 8. “There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions… those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (8:1,4)

Following the stoning of Stephen, the church in Acts 8 suffered through very difficult times. The Jerusalem church was ravaged and people were apprehended and put in prison (8:3). This is a terrible situation, with a great deal of personal suffering. Yet Genesis 50:20 comes to mind, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear, I will provide for you…” Or perhaps Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  

Do not be mistaken, the suffering was very real. There was pain, grief, uncertainty, and upheaval. Yet God can make something good, even remarkable, out of all the drama – Christians were scattered throughout the region and the kingdom of God expanded.

I am reminded of a World War II story from the Navy. In 1933, Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators, began teaching one sailor the principles of Christian growth. They spent many hours together in Bible study, scripture memorization and prayer. A shipmate soon asked about the secret of his changed life, and he passed on what he knew. Soon, 125 men on board the USS West Virginia were growing in Christ, meeting regularly, and actively sharing their faith. Their ship was badly damaged during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, resulting in some lives lost and the reassignment of all survivors to other ships. These men started new Bible studies on every ship they went to, and by the end of World War II, men on a thousand ships and military bases had surrendered their lives to Christ and were learning the principles of Christian discipleship because of The Navigators’ ministry.

It was a disaster for the USS West Virginia, yet God brought good out of the upheaval.

The Holy Spirit is at work in Acts 8, helping the newly scattered disciples continue the work of Jesus. We see the Spirit bringing:
Deliverance (8:6-7), healings, signs and wonders that result in much joy in the city;
Discernment (8:9-24) by revealing the heart issues of those who sought power their own glory; and
Direction (8:26-40) by guiding Philip step-by-step so that he encountered a key individual, successfully shared the gospel with him, and he went on his way rejoicing and taking the message to Ethiopia.

What feels like a disaster can be redeemed by God and become something altogether new and amazing. Let us keep in step with the Holy Spirit so we have discernment and direction; and find joy amid the chaos.

What upheaval or suffering are you enduring right now? Without discounting the pain, can you imagine a way God might bring something good out of it? Pray for discernment and direction and don’t lose hope.

What stood out to you in Acts 8?