The stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, began great persecution that broke out against the early believers. Saul began to destroy the church. All except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Jesus’ commission before ascending to the Father was to be His witnesses in the very places that they were now scattered. In a very real sense, God used this to kick them out of the nest! They preached the Word where ever they went and they made disciples! Would they have done so without persecution? Will we?