Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul was laying waste the church. He was wont to enter into every house, and to drag off men and women, and to commit them to prison.
Then those who had been scattered by the trouble that arose over Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch; but they preached the word to none except Jews. Some of them, however, were Cyprians and Cyrenaeans, who, on reaching Antioch, began to tell the Greeks also the Good News concerning the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has turned out rather to help than to the hindrance of the gospel.
For preaching it I am suffering, and am even put in chains as a malefactor.
At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me??ay it not be laid to their charge! Nevertheless the Lord Jesus stood by me, and strengthened my heart, that through me full proclamation of the gospel might be made, and the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.