Acts 8:1

“And Saul was consenting unto his death, etc.] This clause, in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic and Ethiopic versions, stands at the close of the preceding chapter, and which seems to be its proper place; and so it does in the Alexandrian copy: that Saul consented to the death of Stephen, and approved of that barbarous action, is evident from his taking care of the clothes of the witnesses that stoned him; but the word here used signifies not a bare consent only, but a consent with pleasure and delight; he was well pleased with it, it rejoiced his very heart; he joined with others in it, with the utmost pleasure and satisfaction; this, and what is before said concerning his having the…”

“PERSECUTION CONTINUED, IN WHICH SAUL TAKES A PROMINENT PART--HOW OVERRULED FOR GOOD. (Act 8:1-4) Saul was consenting unto his death--The word expresses hearty approval. they were all scattered abroad--all the leading Christians, particularly the preachers, agreeably to their Lord's injunctions (Mat 10:23), though many doubtless remained, and others (as appears by Act 9:26-30) soon returned. except the apostles--who remained, not certainly as being less exposed to danger, but, at whatever risk, to watch over the infant cause where it was most needful to cherish it.”

“And Saul was consenting ... - Was pleased with his being put to death and approved it. Compare Acts 22:20. This part of the verse should have been connected with the previous chapter. And at that time. - That is, immediately following the death of Stephen. The persecution arose on account of Stephen, Acts 11:19. The tumult did not subside when Stephen was killed. The anger of his persecutors continued to be excited against all Christians. They had become so embittered by the zeal and success of the apostles, and by their frequent charges of murder in putting the Son of God to death, that they resolved at once to put a period to their progress and success. This was the first persecution…”

“At that time there was great persecution against the Church - Their adversaries having tasted blood, were the more eager. And they were all dispersed - Not all the Church: if so, who would have remained for the apostles to teach, or Saul to persecute? But all the teachers except the apostles, who, though in the most danger, stayed with the flock. Acts 8:2”

“8:1-4 Saul: Cp. 9:1-2; 22:4; 26:9-11; Gal 1:13-14. The result of this great wave of persecution was that all the believers . . . were scattered. Rather than having their enthusiasm dampened, however, they simply spread the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.”

“And Saul: This clause evidently belongs to the conclusion of the previous chapter; there is scarcely a worse division of chapters than this. Act 7:58, Act 22:20 there: Act 5:33, Act 5:40, Act 7:54; Mat 10:25-28, Mat 22:6, Mat 23:34; Luk 11:49, Luk 11:50; Joh 15:20, Joh 16:2 the church: Act 2:47, Act 7:38, Act 11:22, Act 13:1 and they: Act 8:4, Act 11:19-21; Mat 5:13; Phi 1:12 Samaria: Act 8:14, Act 1:8; Joh 4:39-42 except: Act 5:18, Act 5:20, Act 5:33, Act 5:40; Exo 10:28, Exo 10:29; Neh 6:3; Dan 3:16-18, Dan 6:10, Dan 6:23; Heb 11:27 Acts 8:2”