Witnesses in Judea and Samaria

Scripture Reading — Acts 8:1-8

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
— Acts 8:1

We see Jesus’ words to his disciples fulfilled, in part, in our reading for today: “You will be my witnesses . . . in all Judea and Samaria” (Acts 1:8).

But it came at a great cost. The gospel had been spreading through Jerusalem, and that resulted in fierce opposition and persecution. Stephen, a godly Christian leader, was stoned to death for his bold faith (Acts 7). The church community was filled with fear, and many believers sought refuge in the areas outside Jerusalem.

It is interesting that one of the places they went to was Samaria, a region beyond Judea. Samaria was notorious as an enclave for Romans and for pagan religions. Maybe the believers felt that their persecutors in Jerusalem would not dare to enter Samaria, and that they would find a good place to hide there. In this way the gospel message spread outward from Jerusalem.

Sometimes in the midst of painful situations, God brings new opportunities for the gospel to flourish. We may not understand why we might be suffering now, but we can be assured that wherever we go, God will be with us.

If you keep reading in Acts 8, you will see the powerful impact that the gospel message made in Samaria as God directed Philip and other believers. Wherever the Spirit brings us today, may the gospel shine brightly through us with hope and love.

Jesus, help us to see the “Judeas” and “Samarias” you have in mind for us in our own context. May we represent you well wherever we go. Amen.

Written by: Kevin DeRaaf