Bible Study: Acts 8:1-25 (09/11/24)

Persecution breaks out against the church (led by Saul/Paul), which causes the believers to scatter into Judea and Samaria to escape persecution. Jesus had said that the ministry would spread into "Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This begs the question: Why does it take personal suffering in our lives before we will take note of the personal suffering in the lives of others who are wrought with the deception and destruction of sin? Why isn't the joy of our salvation enough to propel us into the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ to others? And why do some people only make a mental ascent to the teachings of Christ, rather than die to self and be raised to a brand new life in Christ?