Acts 8:1-4 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:1-4

Providence making missionaries. The disciples of the Lord Jesus were to be missionaries, going everywhere and preaching his gospel to every creature. But they were to begin at Jerusalem, and there wait for "the promise of the Father"—the Divine endowment of the Holy Ghost. Then they were simply to follow the openings of Divine providence and the impulses and leadings of the Divine Spirit. They evidently at first scarcely understood what their work was, or how it was to be begun. Prejudices... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:1-8

The fruits of persecution. Persecution is Satan's instrument for checking and, if possible, destroying the truth of God. Our Savior reminds us, in the sermon on the mount, how the prophets, who spake to the people in the Name of God, had been persecuted of old; and foretold how the prophets and wise men and scribes whom he would send should, in like manner, be scourged and persecuted, killed and crucified. And the history of the Church, from the first imprisonment of the apostles related... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:1-13

Incidents of persecution and dispersion. I. A GLIMPSE OF SAUL THE PERSECUTOR . Though brief and passing, it is very significant. He was a party to the execution of Stephen. Saul was full of ignorance and blind passion. What he afterwards felt about his conduct is expressed in 1 Timothy 1:3 . This example should be a standing warning to us against trust in mere feeling and enthusiasm. The fumes of anger and violence are no signs of pure glowing zeal for the truth, but rather... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:2

Buried for carried to his burial (the last three words in italics), A.V. Devout men ; ἀνδρες αὐλαβεῖς . This word is applied to Simeon ( Luke 2:25 ), and to the Jews who were assembled at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost ( Acts 2:5 ), and, according to the R.T., to Ananias ( Acts 22:12 ); but occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is not certain, therefore, that these men were Christians, though they might be. If not, they were pious Jews, men who feared God, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:2

The grave beside the Church. "And devout men carded Stephen," etc. I. Death the EXALTATION of Christian character. Devout men carried him. Their hope was the rainbow on the cloud of lamentation. The fellowship of Church life helps us to appreciate excellence. The greatest and best testimony when devout men feel the loss. II. THE CONTRAST between the grave of the good man fallen asleep in Jesus and laid to rest by the hands of lamenting brethren, and the grave of: 1. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:3

But for as for, A.V.; ' laid waste for he made havoc of,' A.V. From the dispersion of the disciples will flow the narrative in this present chapter. It is therefore mentioned first. From the persecution of Saul will flow the narrative in Acts 9:1-43 and to the end of the book. Stephen's burial completes the preceding narrative. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:3

Intense against Christ may become intense for him. The indications given in this verse of Saul's intensity should be noticed; he added personal cruelties to judicial severity, manifested almost an insane ferocity and wanton brutality, as he afterwards acknowledged ( Acts 26:11 ). The grounds of Saul's prejudice against Christ and Christianity should be carefully traced, as the nature of his mistaken sentiments helps to explain the entire change of his thoughts and conduct when Christ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:4

They therefore for therefore they, A.V.; about for everywhere, A.V. Went about ; i.e. from place to place, and wherever they went they preached the Word. διέρχομαι here is used in the same sense as in Acts 8:40 , and in Acts 10:38 ; Acts 17:23 ; Acts 20:25 , and elsewhere. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:4

The first flight of the Word. "Therefore they that were scattered abroad," etc. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save the world. Providence and grace work hand-in-hand. The Church needed to be taught by discipline. Jerusalem a natural center of religious life. But a center of radiation, not concentration. I. PREACHING THE WORD the greatest function of the Christian Church. 1. The Word preached was the Word given. Apostles gave it. It was pre-eminently... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 8:1

And Saul was consenting ... - Was pleased with his being put to death and approved it. Compare Acts 22:20. This part of the verse should have been connected with the previous chapter.And at that time. - That is, immediately following the death of Stephen. The persecution arose on account of Stephen, Acts 11:19. The tumult did not subside when Stephen was killed. The anger of his persecutors continued to be excited against all Christians. They had become so embittered by the zeal and success of... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 8:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 8:1

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