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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen's death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/8-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/44_Act_08_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 8:1 - Saul Persecutes the Church" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen's death. 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On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. <a href="/nlt/acts/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/esv/acts/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. <a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Saul was there consenting to his killing. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/kjv/acts/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/nasb_/acts/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. <a href="/nasb/acts/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/nasb77/acts/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/lsb/acts/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/amp/acts/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Saul wholeheartedly approved of Stephen’s death. And on that day a great and relentless persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. <a href="/csb/acts/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/hcsb/acts/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/asv/acts/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Jud锟絘 and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/erv/acts/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/gwt/acts/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. On that day widespread persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. <a href="/gnt/acts/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> And Saul approved of his murder. That very day the church in Jerusalem began to suffer cruel persecution. All the believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the provinces of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/isv/acts/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now Saul heartily approved of putting Stephen to death. That day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except for the apostles was scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/msb/acts/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen?s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. <a href="/net/acts/8.htm">NET Bible</a> And Saul agreed completely with killing him. Saul Begins to Persecute the Church Now on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were forced to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/nheb/acts/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the church which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. <a href="/wbt/acts/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria. <a href="/web/acts/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul was assenting to his death, and there came in that day a great persecution on the Assembly in Jerusalem, all were also scattered abroad in the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles; <a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Saul was there consenting to his killing. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. <a href="/ylt/acts/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul was assenting to his death, and there came in that day a great persecution upon the assembly in Jerusalem, all also were scattered abroad in the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles; <a href="/slt/acts/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND at that time there was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/cpdv/acts/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now in those days, there occurred a great persecution against the Church at Jerusalem. And they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles. <a href="/nabre/acts/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Now Saul was consenting to his execution. On that day, there broke out a severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Saul approved of their killing him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> SAUL was pleased to have had a part in the murder of Stephen. At that very time there was severe persecution against the church at Jerusalem; and they were all, with the exception of the apostles, dispersed throughout the towns of Judæ’a and Sama’ria. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Shaul was consenting and participating in his murder, and in that day there was great persecution toward the church which was in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered into the villages of Judea, and among the Samaritans, except for the Apostles.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/godbey/acts/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there was a great persecution in that day against the church in Jerusalem: and all were dispersed abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/haweis/acts/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> BUT Saul was delighted with his execution.<CM>Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles, <a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria. <a href="/worrell/acts/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Saul was approving of his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the assembly which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the countries of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/worsley/acts/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. <a href="/parallel/acts/8-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2339" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Saul Persecutes the Church</a> 1<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">And</a> <a href="/greek/4569.htm" title="4569: Saulos (N-NMS) -- Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul.">Saul</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was there,</a> <a href="/greek/4909.htm" title="4909: syneudokōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From sun and eudokeo; to think well of in common, i.e. Assent to, feel gratified with.">giving approval</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Stephen’s</a> <a href="/greek/336.htm" title="336: anairesei (N-DFS) -- Taking away (of life), killing, slaying, murder. From anaireo; killing.">death.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">On</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinē (DPro-DFS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmera (N-DFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megas (Adj-NMS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">a great</a> <a href="/greek/1375.htm" title="1375: diōgmos (N-NMS) -- Chase, pursuit; persecution. From dioko; persecution.">persecution</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: Egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">broke out</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsian (N-AFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2414.htm" title="2414: Hierosolymois (N-DNP) -- The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma">Jerusalem,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/4133.htm" title="4133: plēn (Prep) -- However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.">except</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolōn (N-GMP) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">apostles</a> <a href="/greek/1289.htm" title="1289: diesparēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To scatter (like seed), disperse. From dia and speiro; to sow throughout, i.e. distribute in foreign lands.">were scattered</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">throughout</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5561.htm" title="5561: chōras (N-AFP) -- Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2449.htm" title="2449: Ioudaias (N-GFS) -- Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.">Judea</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4540.htm" title="4540: Samareias (N-GFS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Samaria, a city and region of Palestine.">Samaria.</a> 2God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Acts 11:19</a> Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Acts 22:20</a> And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1-2</a> Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/acts/26-10.htm">Acts 26:10</a> And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a> When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. <a href="/john/15-20.htm">John 15:20</a> Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. <a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">2 Timothy 3:12</a> Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, <a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Philippians 1:29</a> For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:14-15</a> For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-14</a> Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a> Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Luke 21:12</a> But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. <a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a> They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. <a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Saul was consenting to 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.And Saul.<a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Acts 7:58</a> And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.<a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Acts 22:20</a> And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.there.<a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Acts 5:33,40</a> When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them… <a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Acts 7:54</a> When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.<a href="/matthew/10-25.htm">Matthew 10:25-28</a> It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? … the church.<a href="/acts/2-47.htm">Acts 2:47</a> Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.<a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Acts 7:38</a> This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:<a href="/acts/11-22.htm">Acts 11:22</a> Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.and they.<a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Acts 8:4</a> Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.<a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Acts 11:19-21</a> Now 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… <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a> Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.Samaria.<a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Acts 8:14</a> Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:<a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.<a href="/john/4-39.htm">John 4:39-42</a> And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did… except.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/acts/7-8.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/acts/6-6.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/acts/2-22.htm">Approved</a> <a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/7-57.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Church</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Consenting</a> <a href="/acts/7-52.htm">Death</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Dispersed</a> <a href="/john/20-25.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/2-1.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Great</a> <a href="/john/6-26.htm">Hearty</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/2-14.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/acts/2-14.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/luke/23-25.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/acts/2-10.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Persecution</a> <a href="/john/11-54.htm">Region</a> <a href="/mark/3-8.htm">Regions</a> <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Samaria</a> <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Sama'ria</a> <a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/john/20-3.htm">Started</a> <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/acts/7-45.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/2-2.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Approved</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Church</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Consenting</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Dispersed</a> <a href="/acts/8-31.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/acts/8-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/21-17.htm">Hearty</a> <a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/acts/9-32.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Persecution</a> <a href="/acts/13-49.htm">Region</a> <a href="/acts/9-32.htm">Regions</a> <a href="/acts/8-5.htm">Samaria</a> <a href="/acts/8-5.htm">Sama'ria</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">Started</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 8</div>1. <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria, </a> 4. <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;</a> 9. <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;</a> 14. <a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church; </a> 15. <a href="/acts/8-15.htm">where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;</a> 18. <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">when Simon would have bought the like power of them, </a> 20. <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, </a> 22. <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">and exhorting him to repentance, </a> 25. <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;</a> 26. <a href="/acts/8-26.htm">but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, was a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of the early Christian church. His presence at Stephen's stoning signifies his active role in opposing the followers of Jesus. This event marks a pivotal moment in Saul's life, setting the stage for his dramatic conversion in <a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9</a>. Saul's approval of Stephen's death highlights the intense opposition faced by early Christians from Jewish religious leaders. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned for his bold proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, as recorded in <a href="/acts/7.htm">Acts 7</a>. Saul's involvement underscores the deep-seated hostility towards the nascent Christian movement.On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, The persecution that erupted following Stephen's martyrdom was a significant turning point for the early church. It was spearheaded by Jewish authorities who viewed the growing Christian movement as a threat to their religious and social order. This persecution was not merely a series of isolated incidents but a widespread and organized effort to suppress the followers of Jesus. The church in Jerusalem, which had been the center of Christian activity since Pentecost, faced severe trials as believers were targeted for their faith. This persecution fulfilled Jesus' prophecy that His followers would face opposition (<a href="/john/15-20.htm">John 15:20</a>).and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. The scattering of believers was a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, in line with Jesus' command in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This dispersion, known as the Diaspora, led to the establishment of new Christian communities and the furtherance of the Gospel message. The apostles remained in Jerusalem, likely to maintain a leadership presence and continue their ministry among the Jewish population. The regions of Judea and Samaria, mentioned here, were significant as they represented the initial expansion of the church's mission beyond its Jewish roots, reaching out to Samaritans who were historically at odds with the Jews, thus breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> Later known as the Apostle Paul, Saul was a zealous Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians. His approval of Stephen's death marks a significant moment in his early life before his conversion. 2. <a href="/topical/s/stephen's_death.htm">Stephen's Death</a> Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death, and Saul approved of this act. His death marked the beginning of widespread persecution against the early church. 3. <a href="/topical/p/persecution_of_the_church.htm">Persecution of the Church</a> This event marks the first major persecution of Christians, leading to their scattering. It was a pivotal moment that led to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where the early church was centered and where the persecution began. It was the starting point for the spread of Christianity. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judea_and_samaria.htm">Judea and Samaria</a> Regions to which the early Christians were scattered. This scattering fulfilled Jesus' command to be His witnesses in these areas (<a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god_in_persecution.htm">The Sovereignty of God in Persecution</a> God can use persecution to fulfill His purposes, such as spreading the Gospel. Believers can trust that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following Christ may lead to persecution and suffering. Christians should be prepared to stand firm in their faith, even when facing opposition. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth</a> Suffering can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God. It can also be a powerful testimony to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_evangelism.htm">The Importance of Evangelism</a> The scattering of believers led to the spread of the Gospel. Christians are called to share their faith, regardless of their circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a> Saul's transformation from persecutor to apostle demonstrates the power of Christ to change lives. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 8</a> <a href="/q/who_was_simon_the_sorcerer.htm">Who was Simon the Sorcerer in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_stay_faithful_in_tough_times.htm">How can we remain faithful amidst adversity and sin?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_universal_church_of_god.htm">What is the timeline of Paul's life events?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_the_catholic_church_originate.htm">How did the Catholic Church originate?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>VIII.(1) And Saul was consenting unto his death.--The word seems carefully chosen to convey the fact that he did not himself take part in stoning, but contented himself with guiding and directing the murder. He "kept the garments" of the witnesses who flung the stones (<a href="/acts/22-20.htm" title="And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting to his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.">Acts 22:20</a>). The statement came, we can scarcely doubt, from St. Paul's own lips, and in his use of the same word in the passage just referred to, and in <a href="/romans/1-32.htm" title="Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.">Romans 1:32</a>, we may see an indication that he had learnt to see that his guilt in so doing was greater, and not less, than that of the actual murderers.There was a great persecution against the church.--It is clear that this involved much suffering, imprisonment, as in <a href="/acts/8-3.htm" title="As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.">Acts 8:3</a>, perhaps the spoiling of men's goods, the being made "a gazing stock by reproaches and afflictions" (<a href="/context/hebrews/10-33.htm" title="Partly, whilst you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst you became companions of them that were so used.">Hebrews 10:33-34</a>). In St. James's description of the sufferings of the brethren (<a href="/context/james/2-6.htm" title="But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?">James 2:6-7</a>), we may see at once the measure of the violence of the persecution, and the prominence in it (though Saul, the Pharisee, was for the time the chief leader) of the priesthood and the rich Sadducean aristocracy. . . . <a href="/commentaries/acts/8-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Saul Σαῦλος (Saulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4569.htm">Strong's 4569: </a> Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul. was there, ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. giving approval συνευδοκῶν (syneudokōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4909.htm">Strong's 4909: </a> From sun and eudokeo; to think well of in common, i.e. Assent to, feel gratified with. to τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [Stephen’s] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. death. ἀναιρέσει (anairesei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_336.htm">Strong's 336: </a> Taking away (of life), killing, slaying, murder. From anaireo; killing. On ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. that ἐκείνῃ (ekeinē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. day ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. a great μέγας (megas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. persecution διωγμὸς (diōgmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1375.htm">Strong's 1375: </a> Chase, pursuit; persecution. From dioko; persecution. broke out Ἐγένετο (Egeneto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. against ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Jerusalem, Ἱεροσολύμοις (Hierosolymois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2414.htm">Strong's 2414: </a> The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. all πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. except πλὴν (plēn) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4133.htm">Strong's 4133: </a> However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. apostles ἀποστόλων (apostolōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. were scattered διεσπάρησαν (diesparēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1289.htm">Strong's 1289: </a> To scatter (like seed), disperse. From dia and speiro; to sow throughout, i.e. distribute in foreign lands. throughout κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). Judea Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Samaria. Σαμαρείας (Samareias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4540.htm">Strong's 4540: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Samaria, a city and region of Palestine. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 8:1 Saul was consenting to his death (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/7-60.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 7:60"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 7:60" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/8-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 8:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 8:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>