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.

Through whom are we reconciled to God?
What classes of persons are necessarily shut out of the kingdom of God?
What advice was given to Timothy while preparing for the gospel ministry?
Did Christ keep the Sabbath?
What has always been the result of religious legislation or a union of church a state ?
Why does Christ desire this growth in His followers?
For what purpose did Christ say God had anointed Him?

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