John Chrysostom, on Acts 8:1

“And at that time there was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles.”

“"The persecution," say you, "gained strength." True, but at that very time to men possessed before by a hostile power it brought deliverance. For it planted the miracles like a stronghold, in the heart of the enemy's country. Not even the death of Stephen quenched their rage, nay, increased it rather: it scattered wide the teachers, so that the greater became the discipleship.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.