How did persecution affect the preaching of the gospel?

Answer

"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. . . . Therefore they
that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word." Acts 8: 1-4.
NOTE - " Persecution has only had a tendency to extend and establish the faith which it was
designed to destroy. . . . There is no lesson which men have been so slow to learn as that to oppose and
persecute men is the very way to confirm them in their opinions, and to spread their doctrines.' - Dr. Albert
Barnes, on Acts 4 :4.

What was God's design in thus giving the Scriptures?
How has Christ made it possible for righteousness to be imputed to the believer?
Who was the seed here referred to?
What reason is given in the fourth commandment for keeping the Sabbath day holy?
Until what time were the saints to he persecuted under the Roman power?
At His ascension, how did the angels say Christ would come again?
How much do the dead know of what is going on among men?

Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle