Beginning of the Church

It is not very often one witnesses the complete change of a person.  This is show however in the book of Acts.  Just as the church starts from pretty much nothing and grows, so does the faith of one man.  This man was Saul, who later was named Paul.  In Acts 8, Saul is first introduced.  At this time the church is just beginning and Peter and the other disciples through patience, hard work and diligence are trying to grow it.  Saul is finally blinded, healed and is baptized.  This is how it is for many Christians.  Figuratively, of course, but in a way many of us are blind to God and Christ and are finally healed by Him and later decide to live for Him. 

Peter continues his efforts to grow the church by taking the gospel to the Gentiles.  The Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost.  God grants the Gentiles repentance.  The disciples are the first to be called Christians.  Later in our reading James is martyred and Peter is freed from prison.  Saul’s name is changed to Paul. 

The church continues to grow.  The disciples continue to preach.  They continue to be persecuted, but still stay strong and do the work the Lord has for them to do.