We are shifting once again from the topic of leadership to that of evangelism. In our study of the gospel of Mark this past week, we started to discuss what is often called the “limited commission” (Mark 6:7-13). Jesus had sent out the twelve to “preach that people should repent” (Mark 6:12). Soon these same men would receive the “great commission” of Matthew 28:19-20 which we considered earlier this year. Just before this commission would begin, Jesus shared with them the progression of the spreading of the gospel, saying that it would go from “Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We see this start in Acts 2 where thousands of Jews converge on Jerusalem for Pentecost and the proclamation of the gospel begins. But how would it move out to other areas?
We know that part of it would happen through a dream that Peter would have and the gospel would be extended to Cornelius a gentile who lived in Caesarea, which was 60 to 70 miles northwest of Jerusalem (Acts 10). But there is a more significant event that would challenge the early Christians while setting the stage for the gospel to spread to other regions. It is this event that I wish to consider today.
“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
To truly appreciate this simple verse, we must consider what is talked about previously. Most are familiar with Acts 7 and the simple message of Stephen, one of the seven chosen in Acts 6 to minister to the Hellenist who for whatever reason, were being neglected (Acts 6:1). Stephen is described as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). Opposition arose against him, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God” (Acts 6:11). He had been preaching the gospel, and it was rubbing the Jewish religious leaders the wrong way. Acts 7 records Stephen’s message and the opposition to it. This opposition became physical, “Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts 7:57-58). Now we come to chapter 8 where we read “Now Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” (Acts 8:1). God used the world’s opposition to effectively help the gospel to spread beyond Jerusalem.
Take a moment and consider the circumstances at that time. People having their lives threatened, families displaced, jobs lost and the list could go on about the effects of this persecution. Saul was hard at work trying his best to stop this movement by making “havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3). God would use his efforts and the faith of these early Christians, to fulfill His promise of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Think about it, those who were new to the faith, facing enormous trials, losing everything (Hebrews 10:32-34), nonetheless, “went everywhere preaching the word.” What made them ready? Willing for that matter? I think of 1st Peter 3:13-16, “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” Be ready! Prepared! Willing! Know the message! And when Christ is enthroned into the life of a believer and conviction of the hope that only He can bring, not even the threat of death can stop them from speaking of Him.
So, are you ready? Opportunities surround us daily to take time to talk to others as God opens the doorways to people’s hearts. Not all will be receptive, and some may be downright rude and spiteful towards your efforts. But God can use such times to move us towards the listening ear of a searching soul. We merely need to be convinced of the Hope that is in Christ, aware of the gospel message we are to proclaim and to take advantage of those opportunities He provides to plant the seed of Christ. Church, our calling is no different than it was in the early church. So, on your mark, get ready, go!
Biddeford Church of Christ 