Lesson 183: THE PERSECUTION OF HEROD AGRIPPA I

Acts 12

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INTRODUCTION. Following the death of Stephen, the followers of Jesus were scattered

because of persecution by the Jews. Wherever these disciples went, they preached the

gospel, converting souls to Jesus Christ (Acts 8:1, 4).

Philip first went to Samaria where Simon the sorcerer and others were baptized. Then Philip was directed by the Spirit to go to the road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza where he met the Ethiopian nobleman. Eventually, after the conversion of the Ethiopian, Philip

arrived in Caesarea, preaching in "all the cities" along the way (Acts 8:5-40).

Saul went to Damascus, and after his conversion to Jesus Christ he preached in that city.

When his life was in danger, he went to Jerusalem, but being in danger there, too, the brethren sent him to Tarsus, his birthplace (Acts 9:1-31).

Peter journeyed to Samaria (Acts 8:14), then went to Lydda, Joppa, and Caesarea (Acts 9:32-10:48). After baptizing Cornelius, the Roman centurion, Peter returned to Jerusalem to relate to the brethren there the events surrounding the conversion of that Gentile and his household (Acts 11:1-18).

Other followers of Jesus went north to Phoenicia, the island of Cyprus, and Antioch in Syria. In Antioch the gospel was preached first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles also. Barnabas was sent by the disciples in Jerusalem to Antioch to assist them. When many people in Antioch were added to the Lord, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to Antioch. For a year they taught many people, and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:19-26).