When persecution hit the church, the people fled Jerusalem to various locations ... even Samaria, the area where the Jews despised the inhabitants.

Saul has just witnessed and approved the stoning of Stephen… could Jesus change such a man?

Stephen was chosen to help minister to the Greek Widows ... but God had greater plans to use him.

In any church needs will arise. This was especially true of the burgeoning church in Jerusalem. One of the men picked to head up a new task force was definitely up for the challenge ... and more.

The religious authorities at the time tried to stifle the young church ... but their actions did anything but! There is much we can learn from this today!

Peter and John were released from custody, and threatened about continuing to proclaim Jesus.
God had other plans than what the authorities hoped for.

The Church begins to see and experiences persecution

Peter and John continue to preach ... and prove there's power in the name of Jesus.

Together ... What we can learn from the early church as they practiced community.

All those who witnessed the Spirit's moving at Pentecost were astonished.
Then Peter preached and the results were amazing!