19.The expansion of the Presbyterian Church
The expansion of the Presbyterian Church from Jerusalem to Antioch Soon, both Deacon Stephen and Deacon Philip were appointed Evangelists or Ministers of the Word and Sacraments ordained by Presbytery to start new works for the Church especially in the regions beyond. Acts 7:8f & 8:5 & 21:8f cf.1Ti 1:3; 1Ti 4:14f &
Stephen started telling the Jews that Jesus the promised Messiah is "He that was in the Church in the wilderness" Who spoke to Moses when the latter was on Mount Sinai
(together with the Elders of Israel). Acts 6:8-14f & Acts 7:2; Acts 7:37f (cf.Exo 18:12-26; Exo 19:7f; Exo 24:1-14f; Gal 3:19f). The Evangelist Philip in turn went to Samaria, preaching and baptizing there. Acts 8:1-12.
Such ministries led to the multiplication of new Congregations and to the creation of new Presbyteries. Soon "the Churches...throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria...were edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied." Acts 9:31. "It became known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord." Acts 9:42.
"They which were scattered abroad at the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phoenicea and Cyprus and Antioch preaching the Word.... Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they had come to Antioch spoke to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord." Acts 11:19-23.