“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went - the scattered believers become missionaries, 'preached the word' (euangelizō, proclaim good news) wherever they went. Persecution scatters the church; scattered believers evangelize. The passive voice in Acts 1:8 ('you will be witnesses') becomes active here: the scattered are actively witnessing. Dispersion and proclamation are linked.
Church Fathers on Acts 8:4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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