The Gospel in Samaria.
After the death of Stephen there arose against the believers in Jerusalem a persecution so relentless that "they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria." Saul "made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison." Of his zeal in this cruel work he said at a later date: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did Ishut up in prison....And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, Ipersecuted them even unto strange cities." That Stephen was not the only one who suffered death may be seen from Saul's own words, "And when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them." Acts 26:9-11.
At this time of peril Nicodemus came forward in fearless avowal of his faith in the crucified Saviour.Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin and with others had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus.As he had witnessed Christ's wonderful works, the conviction had fastened itself upon his mind that this was the Sent of God.Too proud openly to acknowledge himself in sympathy with the Galilean Teacher, he had sought a secret interview.In this interview Jesus had unfolded to him the plan of salvation and His mission to the world, yet still Nicodemus had hesitated.He hid the truth in his heart, and for three years there was little apparent fruit.But while Nicodemus had not publicly acknowledged Christ, he had in the Sanhedrin council repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him.When at last Christ had been lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the words that He had spoken to him in the night interview on the Mount of Olives, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up" (John 3:14); and he saw in Jesus the world's Redeemer.
With Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus had borne the expense of the burial of Jesus.The disciples had been afraid to show themselves openly as Christ's followers, but Nicodemus and Joseph had come boldly to their aid.The help of these rich and honored men was greatly needed in that hour of darkness.
They had been able to do for their dead Master what it would have been impossible for the poor disciples to do; and their wealth and influence had protected them, in a great measure, from the malice of the priests and rulers.
Now, when the Jews were trying to destroy the infant church, Nicodemus came forward in its defense.No longer cautious and questioning, he encouraged the faith of the disciples and used his wealth in helping to sustain the church at Jerusalem and in advancing the work of the gospel.Those who in other days had paid him reverence, now scorned and persecuted him, and he became poor in this world's goods; yet he faltered not in the defense of his faith.
The persecution that came upon the church in Jerusalem resulted in giving a great impetus to the work of the gospel.Success had attended the ministry of the word in that place, and there was danger that the disciples would linger there too long, unmindful of the Saviour's commission to go to all the world.Forgetting that strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service, they began to think that they had no work so important as that of shielding the church in Jerusalem from the attacks of the enemy.
Instead of educating the new converts to carry the gospel to those who had not heard it, they were in danger of taking a course that would lead all to be satisfied with what had been accomplished.To scatter His representatives abroad, where they could work for others, God permitted persecution to come upon them.Driven from Jerusalem, the believers "went everywhere preaching the word."Among those to whom the Saviour had given the commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19), were many from the humbler walks of life--men and women who had learned to love their Lord and who had determined to follow His example of unselfish service.
To these lowly ones, as well as to the disciples who had been with the Saviour during His earthly ministry, had been given a precious trust.They were to carry to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ.
When they were scattered by persecution they went forth filled with missionary zeal.They realized the responsibility of their mission.They knew that they held in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world;and they were constrained by the love of Christ to break this bread to all who were in need.The Lord wrought through them.Wherever they went, the sick were healed and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.
Philip, one of the seven deacons, was among those driven from Jerusalem.He "went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles while he did.For unclean spirits...came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.And there was great joy in that city."Christ's message to the Samaritan woman with whom He had talked at Jacob's well had borne fruit.After listening to His words, the woman had gone to the men of the city, saying, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? They went with her, heard Jesus, and believed on Him.Anxious to hear more, they begged Him to remain.For two days He stayed with them, "and many more believed because of His own word."John 4:29, 41.
And when His disciples were driven from Jerusalem, some found in Samaria a safe asylum.The Samaritans welcomed these messengers of the gospel, and the Jewish converts gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies.
