Saul Persecutes the Church

81 And Saul was assenting to his death, and there came in that day a great persecution upon the assembly in Jerusalem, all also were scattered abroad in the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles; 2 and devout men carried away Stephen, and made great lamentation over him; 3 and Saul was making havoc of the assembly, into every house entering, and haling men and women, was giving them up to prison;

The Gospel Preached in Samaria

4 they then indeed, having been scattered, went abroad proclaiming good news—the word.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 8:1-4

Commentary on Acts 8:1-4

(Read Acts 8:1-4)

Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.