God is sovereign. He directs the course of history and uses the plans of those opposed to him to accomplish his will. Persecution will not stop him from building his church. He also determines what will happen ahead of time, revealing this information through the mouth of new covenant prophets.
God does not show favouritism. People from a Jewish and a Gentile background are welcomed in his church if they have faith in his son.
God is concerned for his people’s well-being. He makes sure that the church in Antioch receives proper instruction. He also makes sure that the church in Jerusalem is provided for.
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.