This post is Day 29 in a series of studies about “Followers of Jesus”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Followers of Jesus – Day 29

Chapter 7 of Acts ended with the stoning of Stephen. And chapter 8 begins with the persecution of the church, resulting in the disciples all going in different directions. What seemed like disaster resulted in much more of the world hearing the truth about Jesus and received healing and deliverance.

Acts 8:7

For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralysed or lame were healed.

The Thought

Chapter 7 of Acts ended with the stoning of Stephen. And chapter 8 begins with the persecution of the church, resulting in the disciples all going in different directions. What seemed like disaster resulted in much more of the world hearing the truth about Jesus and received healing and deliverance.

We don’t have too much information about where the disciples went. There are many legends across the world telling us of the great distances they might have travelled. But the Bible is clear about Philip. He went to Samaria (Acts 8:5).

Some of the Samaritans had already heard something about Jesus because of the woman at the well (John 4:1-28), but of course there were many more people who had heard nothing.

It was not what Philip said that impressed them at first, but the results of his authority. The demons obeyed him; just as they had Jesus, and there were miraculous healings.

Often in our day we can tell people Jesus loves them and it makes no obvious impression on them. But if they themselves or somebody they know well are healed of a long term sickness, people are more likely to listen.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons, they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes with their hands, and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people and the will get well.” (Mark 16:17-18).

Action

Pray for more boldness to become an example of this verse, for yourself and other followers of Jesus that you know.

Praise God that He is with you wherever you go and whatever you do.