In this episode, we read Acts chapters 7 and 8, where the early church faces intense persecution, yet continues to grow and spread. Chapter 7 features Stephen’s powerful speech, recounting Israel’s history and boldly declaring the truth about Jesus, even in the face of opposition. His faithfulness ultimately leads to his martyrdom, making him the first to give his life for the message of Christ.

Chapter 8 shows how persecution, rather than stopping the church, actually causes the gospel to spread beyond Jerusalem. Philip brings the message to Samaria and later shares it with the Ethiopian official, demonstrating that the good news of Jesus is for all people.

Acts 7–8 reminds us that even in suffering, God’s mission moves forward, and that courage, faith, and obedience can have a lasting impact far beyond what we can see.