The early church found themselves scattered throughout Samaria and Judea because of the persecution that broke out after the killing of Stephen. Persecution is the infliction of suffering, injury, or death on another especially because of race, political, or religious beliefs. These believers took the Gospel into the world wherever they went regardless of what was happening around them. Here, we also get an introduction to Saul (who would later become Paul). He took charge to accomplish the imprisonment of many believers at this time and had a fiery passion. He was focused and ran toward his mission. Through all of this suffering, we see that God can take something absolutely heart breaking and make it into something amazing for the saving of many lives eternally! The news continued to spread about Jesus throughout the land! These believers persisted even in the midst of scattering for fear of their lives. How are we preparing for events like this? Are we training for times of persecution or are we allowing ourselves to be comfortable? Wisdom and knowledge come from God. Let's ask Jesus today to help us understand this wisdom and knowledge before we get into scriptures so we may stand strong and keep our eyes upon the Lord when the day of persecution comes! May we be filled, focused, and forced to keep going in our faith.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28