The martyrdom of Stephen set off a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. Instead of harming the church, persecution actually served the mission of God by scattering believers to those places Christ commanded His disciples to take the gospel. As they went they proclaimed and lived out the gospel, resulting in much joy being experienced in cities previously unreached with the gospel. From this passage we learn a number of faith-strengthening ways the Lord fulfills His mission through His people:
- By making persecution a servant, not a master
- By mobilizing congregants equipped with the Word
- By bearing fruit in unlikely places