The Word of God Keeps Spreading — Acts 6–8 | Video Devotion with Dave Miers
Oct 5, 2026 26392
What happens when people try to silence the message of Jesus? In Acts 6-8, we see opposition growing and Christians suffering. Yet the word of God keeps spreading. Jesus keeps building his church.
It’s an action-packed section of scripture. We are going to move through fairly quickly with an overview today, but make sure you follow along for the week and read through the whole narrative.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Stephen lives and dies trusting Jesus
In the second half of Acts 6, we meet Stephen, a follower of Jesus who is full of grace and power. His opponents cannot withstand the wisdom of the Spirit as he speaks. So they bring false accusations against him.
In Acts 7, Stephen walks them through the storyline of the Bible. He speaks about Abraham, Joseph and Moses, showing how God’s people have repeatedly rejected those God sent to them. His speech culminates in their rejection of Jesus, the Righteous One.
They are furious. But Stephen looks into heaven and sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand. As they stone him, listen to his words:
Acts 7:59–60
[59] And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” [60] And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (ESV)
Sounds familiar, right? Stephen is dying like Jesus, entrusting himself to the Lord and praying for his enemies. He knows that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, his own sin has been dealt with. He has been forgiven, and he longs for his attackers to know forgiveness too.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
The word of God keeps spreading
At the beginning of Acts 8, Stephen is buried with great sorrow. Saul is dragging Christians from their homes and putting them in prison. Believers scatter throughout Judea and Samaria.
This is painful. These are real people losing their homes, their freedom and their friends. But look at what happens next:
Acts 8:4
[4] Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. (ESV)
Remember what Jesus promised in Acts 1:8? His witnesses would go from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Even this persecution becomes part of the spread of his message.
The apostles remain in Jerusalem. It’s ordinary followers of Jesus who carry the word with them.
In the first part of Acts 8, Philip proclaims Jesus in Samaria. People believe, and there is great joy. Peter and John come, and the Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit. Jews and Samaritans belong to one people of God.
We also meet Simon, who wants to buy the power to give the Spirit. Peter calls him to repent. Simon wants the benefits without submitting to Jesus. God’s gift cannot be bought, and the mission continues as the apostles preach in Samaritan villages.
Ordinary Christians, extraordinary mission.
Philip points someone to Jesus
Later in Acts 8, God sends Philip to a desert road. There he meets an Ethiopian official reading the prophet Isaiah. The man needs help understanding who the passage is about.
Listen to how Philip responds:
Acts 8:35
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. (ESV)
The passage describes someone led like a sheep to the slaughter. Philip points him to Jesus, the suffering Saviour. The man is baptised and goes on his way rejoicing.
From a crowd in Samaria to one man on a road, the message is the same.
The Good News is…
The good news is all about Jesus. Only through his life, death, and resurrection can we receive forgiveness of sin and life beyond the grave.
This is the Saviour Stephen trusted in death, and Philip proclaimed to others. We can trust him too.
And if you belong to Jesus, you have a part in his mission. In our neighbourhoods, workplaces and friendships, we make the most of opportunities to point people to him.
Despite appearances, God is in control; his word keeps spreading, and Jesus keeps building his church.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 6-8.
Reflection
Pray that God’s Spirit will give you opportunities this week to point others to Jesus.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited