John Chrysostom

"And Saul was consenting unto his death." Hereupon arises a persecution, and it becomes a great one. "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 Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles." Mark how once more God permits temptations to arise; mark, and well observe, how the events are ordered by Divine Providence. …

Homily on Acts 18 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The apostles themselves, Luke says, were not scattered, but remained in Jerusalem, because where the attack is strongest, there the best fighters must also be found, serving as an example of courage and boldness for others.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

See how God turns the plots of his enemies to a beneficial end. For though they scattered, they brought in far more than before being driven away. But the apostles were not scattered; they were in Jerusalem. For where the persecution was greatest, there the leaders ought to be drawn up and set before the others as an example of courage and boldness.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Bede

Now on that day, a great persecution arose in the Church that was in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. If the Church was scattered, the apostles remained in Jerusalem, as Luke tells us, it is evident that he lied who, writing under the name of Melito, bishop of Asia, explains that in the second year after the Lord's ascension, all the apostles were divided to preach in their respective provinces: who all, as the death of the blessed Mother of God approached, were …

Retractions on Acts ↗