The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles.
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And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
2 Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral - not many dry eyes that day!
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Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
3 And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail.
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But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
4 Forced to leave home base, the Christians all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.
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Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.