Thematic Bible: Diffuses the gospel

Meanwhile those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without delivering the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to anyone except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news (the Gospel) about the Lord Jesus. And the presence of the Lord was with them with power, so that a great number [learned] to believe (to adhere to and trust in and rely on the Lord) and turned and surrendered themselves to Him.

Saul wholeheartedly approved of Stephen’s death.

And on that day a great and relentless persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

Verse Concepts

FugitivesChristiansdispersion, theJerusalem, Significance OfSamaritansChurch, Description Of

Church, Examples OfThe Church ScatteredAssentingApproval To KillThe Apostles In Action

Now those [believers] who had been scattered went from place to place preaching the word [the good news of salvation through Christ].

Verse Concepts

evangelists, identity ofdispersion, theMissionaries, Call OfPreaching, Importance Of

Witnessing, Importance OfMinisters, Way They Should TeachMissionary ExamplesThe Church Scattered

Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel). So much is this a fact that throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest [here] my imprisonment has become generally known to be in Christ [that I am a prisoner in His service and for Him]. And [also] most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God [acting with more freedom and indifference to the consequences].