First, we’re going to suffer for preaching the gospel. Acts 8:1-2, “And Saul approved of Stephen's 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. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.” There is no way around suffering, and we cannot concern ourselves with that. We must stand up and preach Christ. We’ve been commissioned by God.

Secondly, persecution is an opportunity! Acts 8:4, "So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the message of good news." When a door shuts here, then we go there. It is not time to call it quits. God commanded us to preach to the whole world, so let nothing stop our mission [Matt 28:18-20]. We can’t say, “Others will do it.” We must do what we can. Every believer is to spend his life advancing the gospel. We have a cause!

Thirdly, wherever Christ is preached, there is power. Acts 8:7, “For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.” There is power to heal the vilest sinner and make us right with God. We see that He took our place under wrath, so that God can bless us. Then, we taste the power of new life. The lame walk with God, the parlyzed follow Him with God given strength, and the blind see His glory. Sinners are transformed miraculously!

Fourthly, when we believe the gospel, we are delivered from false prophets. Acts 8:9-12, “But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the power of God that is called Great. And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

No longer do we see humans as great. We know why God blesses us, because of His Son. We know the way of peace, the finished work of Christ, and we know that all power comes through Him. Now, instead of looking to our teachers, we search the Scriptures and look for Christ. Now, instead of idolizing men, we ask them, “Have you seen Jesus?” Now, instead of being mesmerized by human performances, we look to Christ and honor those who honor Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”

Oh, how wonderful this deliverance is! Our souls are no longer enslaved by man’s subtle exaltation of himself. We have free spirits!

Finally, be careful of everyone amazed by miracles. Acts 8:13, “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” These miracles lasted for a time to verify the Apostles and their message. It was never God’s intention that they’d remain, or we’d see them clearly and openly today. No, men fascinated with miracles have crept into the church. Some are sincerely deceived, but deceived all the same.