“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 Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” (Acts 8:1)
When the persecution arose around the time of Stephan’s death, the church was forced to scatter. Saul of Tarsus, then the chief persecutor, was “entering into every house, and haling men and women” and committed them to prison. It was not the choice of the church to be scattered. They had been assembling regularly (Acts 2:42-47; 4:23, 31-35), but now it was not prudent for them to meet together. The fact that Saul was entering into the houses to drag out Christians indicates that they were in their homes. We know that later some churches met in homes to fellowship in worship (Rom. 16:3-5). Those were difficult times. Even though they were scattered, they were still the church.
Today we find ourselves in a similar situation. Though we are not persecuted as was the early church, we are strongly encouraged to stay in our homes. Men, as Saul of Tarsus, are not dragging us
out of our homes to put us in prison. The Coronavirus (COVD-19) is a real threat, especially to those with underlying health issues; however, even the young can be carriers of the virus. The mayor of Indianapolis has restricted traveling: No unessential traveling. The Federal Government has issued recommendations that no more than ten (10) be in a gathering. These recommendations may become stricter: they may even become laws.
These recommendations are not a case of the government’s requiring us to go contrary to the will of God. As Christians, we can still worship God in our homes until this virus is defeated. We will always be the church, though scattered. We are to be subject to the civil government (Rom. 13:1-7). It is ordained of God to punish the evil and uphold the good (1 Peter 2:13-16). These recommendations are for our good and the good of all the people of the United States.
Each congregation is autonomous. Each must determine what is best for its members. If some choose to meet, ignoring the strong recommendations of our government, closing their eyes to the welfare of their members and non-members, as well as a failure to be a good influence in the community, that is its decision. However, it is not a lack of faith on the part of those congregations who wisely follow the recommendations of the government and good health, to have all its members stay home, worshiping on the Lord’s day as best they can.
Let us all pray this war against this invisible enemy will soon be defeated. Remember: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.” (Proverbs 3:5–8.)
Ben F. Vick, Jr