THE CHURCH PERSECUTED, SCATTERED, AND GROWINGActs 8

QUESTIONS

Is persecution something the church should expect to happen?

Can persecution of the church be used by God? Why? Why not?

If not used by God, what is the reason or purpose of persecution?

If used by God, how does He use it?

PREVIEW OF ACTS 6, 7, 8

Chapter 6 – Choosing of the Seven Why did the church leaders appoint the seven

men? What was their title?

Chapter 7 – The Death of Stephen Why did Stephen make the Sanhedrin so mad?

Be specific. Listen to Stephen’s last words. Can you compare

them to another person who was killed for their teaching?

PERSECUTION AND THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL

How did the Gospel spread? People were scattered to escape the persecution. Some stayed in Jerusalem – Apostles.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BAPTISM

Baptism is tied closely with a person’s belief in Christ.

This close tie many times appears to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation (read 8:34-39)

Baptism (in water) is an act of obedience to portray what happens in our lives from the baptism of the Holy Spirit (salvation).

PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN

He witnessed, healed, and performed signs He was led by the Holy Spirit

(v. 26) Spoke to Philip to go south down the road (v. 29) Told Philip to go to the specific chariot (v. 39) Suddenly took Philip away to Azotus

Map of Israel - Azotus (southern coastline)

He helped the Ethiopian to understand Scripture

OBJECTIVES

Explain how persecution helped to spread the Gospel

Explain the importance of baptism