The Church Scattered 

Acts chapter 8

     "On that day (When Stephen was stoned) a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." 

     "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." Samaritans received the Spirit. An angel of the Lord directed Phillip, one of the seven, to take the road toward Gaza. There he met an important official of Ethiopia, who was reading scripture in his wagon, and "told him the good news about Jesus." He baptized the man in water. Then the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away...to Azotus. 

(C)  Samaritans publicly committed themselves to Christ by water baptism (Mark 16:16). Thus, they were saved, "indwelt" by the Holy Spirit. Several days later they "received" the Holy Spirit, not for salvation, but power for service and witness." Caution: A supernatural experience not from Christ is counterfeit, accompanied by demonic gifts and powers (Matt. 7:21-23). 

Tomorrow: Saul does a 180