In the days and weeks after Pentecost, it must have seemed like a glorious time as people broke bread together in each other's homes, and soaked in the apostles' teaching. Peter and John were publicly healing people, thousands believed in Jesus, and the gospel began to sweep through even Samaria. But trouble soon came. First, John and Peter were arrested. Then the Greek widows were not being treated fairly, and more leaders were needed. Persecution began, one of the new leaders, Stephen, was martyred. Then Peter was dragged off in chains again. What did the church do in response?
If you'd like a preview, read Acts 4:31, then read Acts 12. This week’s message is more of a Bible study as we dive in together and discover what we can learn from their early experience.
Joanne Hagemeyer