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 Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
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Bede
AD 735
It was with Paul's consent that the occurrence of tribulation became the seed-bed of the Church
Were dispersed. During this great persecution of the Church, those who could not conceal themselves, were dispersed into different countries. Thus did the Almighty make use of the malice of his enemies, to the greater exaltation and glory of his own name. For those who fled, carried with them the light of the gospel, wherever they went. (Tirinus)
They were burning torches, which communicated of their holy fire to every place, in which they were scattered. (St. Augustine, Serm. cxvi.)
Thus was the gospel disseminated from Jerusalem into all Judea and Samaria.
And Samaria. Though our Saviour in his life time had forbid them to preach to the Samaritans, (Matthew x. 5.) they now knew that the time of that precept was past. (Witham)
And now without scruple they had intercourse with Samaria, whereas it had been said to them, Go not into the way of the Gentiles and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. Matthew 10:5 Except the Apostles, it says: they, in this way also, wishing to win the Jews—but not to leave the city—and to be the means of inspiring others with boldness.
As for Saul, he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. Hereupon arises a persecution, and it becomes a great one. 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 Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.
Mark how once more God permits temptations to arise; mark, and well observe, how the events are ordered by Divine Providence. They were admired because of the signs: being scourged, they were none the worse for it: (some) were ordained in the matter of the widows : the word increased: once more, God permits a great hindrance to arise. And a persecution of no ordinary kind [and they were all scattered, etc.]; for they feared their enemies, now become more daring: and at the same time it is shown that they were but men, these that were afraid, that fled. For, that you may not say after these things that by grace alone they effected (what they did), they were also persecuted, and themselves became mor...
And now without scruple they had intercourse with Samaria, whereas it had been said to them, Go not into the way of the Gentiles and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. Matthew 10:5 Except the Apostles, it says: they, in this way also, wishing to win the Jews—but not to leave the city—and to be the means of inspiring others with boldness.
Mark how once more God permits temptations to arise; mark, and well observe, how the events are ordered by Divine Providence. They were admired because of the signs: being scourged, they were none the worse for it: (some) were ordained in the matter of the widows : the word increased: once more, God permits a great hindrance to arise. And a persecution of no ordinary kind [and they were all scattered, etc.]; for they feared their enemies, now become more daring: and at the same time it is shown that they were but men, these that were afraid, that fled. For, that you may not say after these things that by grace alone they effected (what they did), they were also persecuted, and themselves became more timorous, while their adversaries were more daring. And were all scattered abroad, it says, except the Apostles. But this was divinely ordered, so that they should no longer all sit there in Jerusalem.
