| Series | Samaria and the Samaritans |
|---|---|
| Theme | Samaria and the Samaritans - SAMARIA MA TAGATA SAMARIA |
| Colour | Lanu Pa’epa’e |
Scripture Focus: Galuega 8:14–17
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.
- Acts 8:14–17 (KJV)
Study:
The passage in Acts 8:14–17 reveals a pivotal moment in the early church's history. Following a wave of severe persecution in Jerusalem, believers were scattered to various regions, including Samaria. This scattering, though born from adversity, became a powerful means of spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. The apostles were sent to Samaria to support and affirm these new believers through the Holy Spirit, exemplifying the church's expansion to new mission fields. This scripture highlights how God uses difficult circumstances to widen His kingdom, turning places like Samaria—a region once seen as distant and divided—into fertile ground for the Gospel.
Application:
Today, the account of the early church challenges us to view our communities as mission fields. Just as believers were scattered and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out God's work, we too are called to embrace opportunities for sharing faith even in challenging or unfamiliar environments. Whether we face resistance or uncertainty, God's Spirit equips and energizes us to minister effectively. We should be open to serving beyond our comfort zones, recognizing places and people around us that need the hope and love of Christ.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways might God be calling you to step into a new or challenging mission field in your life?
- How can you support others who may be scattered or struggling in their faith journey?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering you to share the Gospel today?
- How can trials or difficulties become opportunities for growth and ministry?
- Are there people or groups in your community that you have overlooked as mission opportunities?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for using every circumstance to advance Your kingdom. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit to boldly share Your love and truth, especially in places where it is most needed. Help us to see the mission fields around us and give us courage to serve faithfully. Amen.
Tags: early church, mission field, Holy Spirit, persecution, spreading the Gospel, Samaria, Acts 8, faith in difficulty, Christian mission, outreach