Chapter III - THE FIRST EXTENSION OF THE CHURCH

Summary

PHILIP AT SAMARIA

The refugees driven from Jerusalem by the persecution of Saul, especially those of Hellenist origin, were by no means disposed to regard the disaster as in any way interfering with their duty to bear witness to the teachings of Jesus. It was rather an opportunity for preaching the news of the new revelation to those who as yet had not heard it. Jerusalem had once again rejected the truth; but Jerusalem was not the world. As long as the Master's return was delayed, it was their duty to summon to repentance and forgiveness all who were willing to hear

The immediate neighbourhood of Jerusalem was of course no safe place for them in their flight. But in the outlying areas of Judaea, especially in those adjoining the fringe of Hellenic cities on the coast of Palestine, the authority of the Sanhedrin was weak; and in Galilee it was non-existent. Still, so long as the message was confined to the members of the Chosen People and to proselytes, their action in preaching outside Jerusalem, though it would have imposed on the Twelve the duty of organizing the Church in such a way as to permit of the existence of Christian communities outside the city, would not have raised any question as to the fundamental principles of the Christian movement.