Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
as for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entring into their houses, whence he dragg'd away both men and women, to throw them into prison.
In the mean time they who were dispers'd upon the persecution that arose after Stephen's time, had travell'd as far as Phenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, without preaching the gospel to any, but Jews only. some of them were of Cyprus and Cyrene, and upon their arrival at Antioch they address'd themselves to the Greeks, and preach'd to them the Lord Jesus. and as the divine assistance accompany'd them, a great number of persons believed and became converts.
Now I would have you know, my brethren, that what has happen'd to me, has only conduc'd to the progress of the gospel;
for which I suffer even the chains of a malefactor: but the word of God is not so confin'd.
At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge. however the Lord assisted and strengthen'd me, that the gospel might be confirm'd by my remonstrance, and all the nations might hear it; so that I was deliver'd out of the mouth of the lion: