Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.
So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.