Acts 8:1-4 The Word Goes Outside The Walls of Jerusalem

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.  Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.

After the murder of Stephen, the people scattered with the Gospel outside of Jerusalem except for the apostles who remained in Jerusalem.  But this scattering was God's will because back in Genesis, God caused people to scatter at the tower of Babel because God wanted His name to be known in the world. The apostles should have moved outside of Jerusalem, but the first missionary efforts were carried out by the deacons of this early church.  

Daily Prayer: Lord, do not let me hold my tongue when it comes to speaking about You.  You paid the price for my salvation, but not mine alone.  Many still need to hear the good news of the gospel and I am Your slave when it comes to making You known.  Place this missionary spirit in the heart of the church.  Amen.