28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Proverbs 28
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29
This happened very early in the life of the new Church, but we’ve also experienced something of it much more recently. Those opposed to God have forced His people into hiding, but the good news is He’s bringing us out again and they’re now coming under His judgement.
Acts 8 follows on from the death of Stephen, the first martyr with the account of a ‘great persecution’.
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scatteredthroughout Judea and Samaria. Acts 8
In the Bible account, the persecution broke out even before Stephen had been buried. Someone stirred up the religious Jews to spitefully attack the new body of believers in Jerusalem. The Church can be opposed but we can never be conquered, because we are the people of God.
Deuteronomy 33 details Moses’ blessings for God’s people (this chapter lists only powerful blessings for Israel, take note) and the last two verses promise His Victory for them.
28 So Israel will live in safety;
Jacob’s spring is secure (even in difficult times)
in a land of grain and new wine,
where the heavens drop dew. (Lovely Picture of God’s blessings)
29 Blessed are you, Israel!
Who is like you,
a people saved by the Lord?
He is your shield and helper
and your glorious sword.
YOUR ENEMIES WILL COWER BEFORE YOU,
AND YOU WILL TRAMPLE THEIR HIGH THEIR HIGH PLACES.” Deuteronomy 33
God’s intention is to bless us, His people, but we live in a battle ground, just as Israel.
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. Acts 4
Philip was another of the seven men chosen, along with Stephen, to oversee the distribution of widows’ food. Acts 6:5 Despite Stephen’s martyrdom, Philip went down to preach the Gospel in Samaria. The persecution resulted in a push outwards to the neighbouring countryside.
6 When the crowds heard Philip and SAW THE SIGNS HE PERFORMED, THEY ALL PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT HE SAID. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. Acts 8
God honoured the preaching of the word with signs and wonders, still available for us today and the crowds gathered, just like Jerusalem. The enemy had sought to prevent or greatly reduce the impact of the Gospel by persecuting the heart of the Church, but instead it spread.
8 So there was great joy in that city. Acts 8
People were being healed and delivered and there was ‘GREAT JOY’ in that city. ‘Great persecution resulted in Great Joy’ for people who’d maybe never thought that they would become the people of God. Righteousness had broken out andthe people were filled with a new Joy from heaven. I believe God will do it again in His Church today, Hallelujah.
The Lord bless and keep you.