What caused the Jewish believers to be forced to flee?
The Jewish believers were forced to flee because of intense persecution that arose against the assembly in Jerusalem. This persecution was brought about by Saul of Tarsus, who consented to Stephen's death, as recorded in Acts chapter 8, verse 1.
Les explains that the Jews had been under intense persecution brought about by Saul of Tarsus, and they were forced to flee. He directs attention back to Acts chapter 8, verse 1, where Saul was consenting unto Stephen's death, and at that time there was a great persecution against the assembly at Jerusalem. Les stresses that every Jewish believer was scattered, taking the word 'all' literally, because he does not think the Holy Spirit would permit a word to be used loosely. This persecution, beginning with Stephen's death, drove the Jewish believers out of Jerusalem.
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
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.