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Sep 13, 2026

The Irony of Persecution

Tom McCormick

Acts 8:1-8

In this sermon, Pastor Tom McCormick preaches from Acts 8:1–8. In this passage, we see how God used the persecution and scattering of the early… Read More

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The Irony of Persecution
Acts 8:1-8

“And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city[a] of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.” Acts 8:1-5

1. Persecution Scattered the Church

“And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” Acts 8:1-3

The persecution was severe.
“There arose on that day a great persecution...” Acts 8:1A

“If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

The believers were scattered.
“…and they were all scattered...” Acts 8:1A

The apostles were not scattered.
“…except the apostles.” Acts 8:1A

Saul became God’s instrument for persecution.
“And Saul approved of his execution …But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” Acts 8:1 & 3

2. The Church Spread the Gospel
Every believer became a carrier of the Gospel.
“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” Acts 8:4

“…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8B

Philip was a model of this faithfulness and obedience.
“Philip went down…” Acts 8:5

Samaria became an unlikely destination.
“… to the city of Samaria…” Acts 8:5

3. Christ Was Exalted as the Gospel was Spread.
“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.” Acts 8:5-8

Christ became the center.
“…and proclaimed to them the Christ.” Acts 8:5

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” Ephesians 2:14

God confirmed the message of the Gospel.

“And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.” Acts 8:6-7

Great joy came from great persecution
“So there was much joy in that city.” Acts 8:8

“The quickest way for us to grow in our faith is by persecution.” Watchman Nee

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” John 12:24

1. God accomplishes more through a persecuted church than a comfortable church.

2. God wants you to share the Gospel with those in your circle of influence.

3. God always uses persecution for Kingdom expansion!

4. The greatest evidence of the gospel is a transformed life.

5. View loss, opposition and hardship as God preparing us for greater usefulness in Kingdom advancement.

Sermon Notes

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