Persecution and Expansion in Jerusalem and Judea

Introduction

From the moment of its birth at Pentecost, the early church lived in tension. On one hand, the Spirit empowered apostles to perform mighty works, preach boldly, and build a thriving community. On the other, opposition quickly rose from religious and political authorities who saw this new movement as a threat. Acts 4–8 presents this dual dynamic of persecution and expansion: the apostles face arrest, trial, and even martyrdom, yet the Word of God continues to spread powerfully, reaching beyond Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria.

This chapter explores this crucial stage of early Christian history. We will examine the nature of persecution, key episodes of opposition and witness, the martyrdom of Stephen, and the scattering of believers that led to new missionary advances. We will also consider the theological meaning of suffering in Luke–Acts and its implications for discipleship.

Part 1: Rising Opposition in Jerusalem

1. Threats from Authorities

After Peter’s Pentecost sermon, the apostles continue to preach and heal in the temple. But the temple authorities quickly intervene. Acts 4 narrates the arrest of Peter and John after the healing of a lame man. The Sanhedrin demands silence, but Peter replies, “We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard” (4:20).

2. Prayer for Boldness

Upon release, the church does not pray for safety but for boldness. They ask God to “stretch out [his] hand to heal, and signs and wonders [to] be performed” (4:30). Luke portrays persecution not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for deeper dependence on the Spirit.

3. Escalation in Acts 5

The apostles’ continued ministry leads to further arrests. The high priest and Sadducees, jealous of their popularity, imprison them. Yet an angel frees them, and they return to the temple to preach (5:19–21). Once again before the council, Peter boldly insists, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (5:29).

Part 2: Gamaliel’s Counsel

One of the most fascinating moments comes in Acts 5:34–39, when Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, counsels restraint. He cites failed movements (Theudas, Judas the Galilean) and argues that if the apostles’ work is of human origin, it will fail; if it is of God, it cannot be overthrown.

This scene highlights Luke’s theme of divine sovereignty: the church’s survival does not depend on human strength but on God’s unstoppable plan.

Part 3: The Appointment of the Seven

As the community grows, practical challenges emerge. Greek-speaking widows complain of neglect in daily food distribution (Acts 6:1). The apostles appoint seven men to oversee this ministry, including Stephen and Philip.

This episode is significant for several reasons:

• It shows the church’s commitment to justice and inclusion.

• It establishes structures of shared leadership.

• It sets the stage for Stephen’s witness and Philip’s missionary work.

Part 4: The Martyrdom of Stephen

1. Stephen’s Speech

Stephen, “full of grace and power” (6:8), performs signs and wonders. Accused of blasphemy, he delivers a long speech before the council (Acts 7). He recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing how God’s people repeatedly resisted his messengers. The climax comes when Stephen charges the council:

“You are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do” (7:51).

2. Vision of the Son of Man

Stephen sees “the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (7:56). This vision echoes Daniel 7 and affirms Jesus’ exaltation.

3. Death and Forgiveness

Stephen is stoned, becoming the first Christian martyr. His final words echo Jesus’: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (7:59–60). Stephen’s death both mirrors Jesus’ passion and sets a pattern of martyrdom as faithful witness.

Part 5: Scattering and Expansion

1. Persecution Intensifies

After Stephen’s death, “a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (8:1). Saul, later Paul, plays a leading role in this persecution.

2. Mission in Samaria

Ironically, persecution propels mission. Philip preaches in Samaria, performing signs and baptizing many (8:4–13). The apostles confirm this mission by sending Peter and John, who pray for new believers to receive the Spirit.

3. Beyond Judea

Acts 8 also narrates Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26–40), signaling the Gospel’s reach beyond Judea to the ends of the earth. Thus, persecution becomes the very means by which God’s mission expands.

Part 6: Theological Themes

1. Suffering as Witness

For Luke, suffering is not failure but participation in Christ’s mission. Just as Jesus faced opposition, so too his followers. Martyrdom becomes the ultimate form of witness (martyria).

2. Sovereignty of God

Despite opposition, God’s purposes prevail. Gamaliel’s counsel highlights divine sovereignty, and the scattering of believers fulfills Acts 1:8.

3. Spirit-Empowered Boldness

Persecution leads to prayer and Spirit-empowered boldness. Opposition refines, rather than extinguishes, witness.

4. Inclusion and Mission

The appointment of the Seven and the mission to Samaria highlight God’s inclusive vision. The Gospel breaks down cultural and geographic barriers.

Part 7: Implications for Today

1. Expectation of Opposition

The church should expect opposition when faithfully witnessing to Christ. Acts reminds believers that faithfulness may lead to suffering.

2. Boldness in Proclamation

Like the apostles, the church must pray for boldness, trusting the Spirit to empower witness even in hostile contexts.

3. God’s Sovereignty

Believers can find assurance that no opposition can thwart God’s purposes. History is under divine direction.

4. Mission Beyond Comfort Zones

Persecution often forces believers out of comfortable settings into new frontiers of mission. The church today is called to similar openness.

Suggested Assignments

1. Exegetical Paper: Acts 6–7

   • Write a 3,000-word analysis of Stephen’s speech. How does he interpret Israel’s history, and what does his martyrdom teach about Christian witness?

2. Theological Essay: Suffering in Acts

   • Trace how Acts portrays persecution and suffering. Write a 2,500-word essay connecting this to the church’s mission today.

3. Comparative Study: Gamaliel’s Counsel

   • Compare Gamaliel’s reasoning (Acts 5) with other Jewish perspectives on new movements. Write a 2,000-word essay on divine sovereignty and human response.

4. Mission and Persecution

   • Write a 2,000-word paper on how persecution in Acts leads to mission beyond Jerusalem. What does this suggest for global mission today?

5. Creative Assignment

   • Write a 1,000-word first-person narrative from the perspective of a believer scattered after Stephen’s death. How do you experience persecution and mission?

References

Barrett, C. K. (1994). A critical and exegetical commentary on the Acts of the Apostles (Vols. 1–2). T&T Clark.

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of Acts (NICNT). Eerdmans.

Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Acts of the Apostles. Epworth.

Gaventa, B. R. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles. Abingdon.

Johnson, L. T. (1992). The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina. Liturgical Press.

Keener, C. S. (2012–2015). Acts: An exegetical commentary (Vols. 1–4). Baker Academic.

Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts (TNTC). IVP.

Parsons, M. C. (2008). Acts. Paideia Commentary. Baker Academic.

Witherington, B. (1998). The Acts of the Apostles: A socio-rhetorical commentary. Eerdmans.

Wright, N. T. (2012). Acts for everyone (Vols. 1–2). SPCK.