Acts Chapter 8 · Verse 4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 8
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
διασπαρέντες
they that were scattered abroad
G1289
διασπαρέντες
they that were scattered abroad
Strong's:
G1289
Word #:
4 of 8
to sow throughout, i.e., (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι
preaching
G2097
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι
preaching
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
6 of 8
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
Cross References
Acts 11:19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.Acts 8:1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.Acts 15:35Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Historical Context
Stephen's martyrdom (AD 33-34) triggered fierce persecution under Saul, scattering believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Only apostles remained in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), while others became missionary evangelists, transforming refugees into church planters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use difficult circumstances to advance His purposes beyond human plans?
- What can modern Christians learn from the early church's evangelistic response to persecution?
Analysis & Commentary
Persecution's unintended consequence—'they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching'—demonstrates God's sovereignty in using opposition to fulfill His mission. The Greek 'diaspeiro' (scattered) suggests seed-sowing, with persecution becoming the mechanism for gospel dispersal. This fulfills Jesus' prediction that witnesses would spread from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).