The Book of Acts

To the Ends of the Earth 

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice 

Thursday, April 30th, 2026

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 

The Passage 

Building an Army, Not a Country Club
Acts 8:1–9, ESV

Saul Ravages the Church

8 And Saul approved of his 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. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.  3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.  7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.  8 So there was much joy in that city.

Simon the Magician Believes

9 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.

Three Ways God Builds His Church

1. Persecution (vv.1–3)
2. Proclamation (vv.4–5)
3. Demonstration (vv.6–8)

TALK IT OVER

Ice Breaker: What’s something in your life that felt like pressure at the time—but later you realized God used it for something good?

1. Read Acts 8:1–3. How did persecution actually move the church forward instead of shutting it down?
2. Why do you think comfort is one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth today?
3. Where might God be using pressure in your life right now to move you into His purpose?
4. Read Acts 8:4–5. What stands out to you about who was sharing the gospel?
5. What keeps most Christians from speaking about their faith?
6. What would it look like this week for you to “simply share what you’ve seen God do”?
7. Read Acts 8:6–8. What kind of impact did the gospel have on the people in Samaria?
8. Why is a changed life the most powerful evidence of the gospel?
9. Where have you personally seen God bring transformation or joy into a situation?
10. What is one specific step you can take this week to live like part of God’s army instead of a spiritual spectator?