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 is the great purpose of Christ in His work of reconciliation?
In what promise was a Saviour from sin first revealed?
Which are some of the most touching and soul-winning of Christ's parables?
What similar call and appeal will be made under the final outpouring of the Spirit?
26. When Israel had apostatized, and were almost universally worshipping Baal, what appeal did Elijah make to them?
13. The righteous dead are raised at Christ's second coming. When will the rest of the dead, the wicked, be raised?
How do evil spirits sometimes treat those thus possessed ?

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