Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 8:1

ANd Saul was consenting unto his death. 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.

Well-pleased with it, (as the word implies) and did approve it in thought, word, and deed, Acts 22.4, 20. which is here noted in the beginning of the narrative concerning this Great Apostle, that we might consider [non-Latin text not transcribed], what a great change the grace of God did make; which was by him, and is by us the more to be acknowledged and magnified.

Not as heretofore against the Apostles onely; but now it was against the whole Church.

The multitude of believers, at least as many as could flee; which was allowed, or rather commanded, Mat. 10.23. when they were persecuted in one City, to flee unto another, especially such as were teachers amongst them, (besides the Apostles) were forced to remove from Ierusalem; and by this means, did publish the Gospel in all places whither they came; so that what was intended for the hinderance, God did over-rule towards the furtherance of the Gospel: as he did afterwards, Phil. 1.12. and still does, and ever will do.

Who were commanded to stay at Ierusalem, Chap. 1.8. there they were to make their beginning, Luke 24.47. and from thence to proceed unto other parts, Isaiah 2.3. and whilest God had any work for them to do at Ierusalem, they knew that God could and would defend and maintain them in the midst of their enemies: as he had done the bush in the fire, Exod. 3.3.

Marginal references: Chap. 11.19.