Scripture reading – Acts 6; Acts 7
Everything about the early Church in the Book of Acts was fresh, new, and exciting. The Church’s explosive growth was fueled by love and unity for the people “were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (Acts 4:32).
Having witnessed Christ’s resurrection, the disciples boldly declared that though the Jews crucified Jesus, God had raised Him from the dead and “exalted [Him] with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31-32).
Nevertheless, the excitement of the early church was tempered by an age-old sin – “there arose a murmuring” (Acts 6:1).
Acts 6
A Complaint Regarding Public Charity (Acts 6:1-4)
Unlike the synagogue congregations, which were exclusively Hebrew in origin, the early church members were a mix of Hebrew and Greek. Eventually, the church’s unity was threatened when Greek-speaking believers complained that the Hebrews were not giving their widows the same care (Acts 6:1).
The root of the provocation was not identified. Still, I wonder if the language barrier between the Greek-speaking and the Hebrew-speaking believers was not the source of the disagreement. Rather than dismiss the complaints without investigation, the apostles considered the matter prayerfully. They then suggested a counter to the criticism: “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).
The Deacons’ Office: Seven Men Chosen to Serve (Acts 6:5-7)
Despite some debate, I believe the seven men chosen to “serve tables” (Acts 6:3) were the first Deacons. Deacons are one of two Biblical offices in the New Testament church, the other being the Pastor Elder (1 Timothy 3).
The role of the seven was defined as serving tables (Acts 6:2), meaning the menial but intimate care of the members of their congregation. Particularly noteworthy was the spiritual character demanded of those who would be Deacons. They were to be “men of honest report [having integrity], full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). These men demonstrated the Spirit of God and discernment.
Stephen the Deacon (Acts 6:8-15)
Of the seven chosen, Stephen was distinguished as a man “full of faith and power, [who] did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). His testimony and boldness in faith, spiritual wisdom, and power in the spirit made him a formidable witness among those in the synagogues (Acts 6:9-10).
As it was with Christ, so it was for Stephen; the enemies of the Gospel were determined to silence him. After arresting Stephen, evil men were employed to bring false accusations against him (Acts 6:11-13). Hurling lies against his character; those who sat in the council were amazed, for his countenance was “as it had been the face of an angel” (6:15).
Acts 7
Recorded in Acts 7 and 8 are two of the great pivotal points in the maturing of the early church: The death of Stephen, the first martyr of the church (Acts 7), and the conversion of Saul, the great persecutor of the church (Acts 8).
Having heard the charges of his accusers, Stephen was asked by the high priest, “Are these things so?” (7:1).
Stephen’s defense reflected a breadth and depth of knowledge in the Old Testament Scriptures, making his argument before the council powerful and convicting (Acts 7:2-53). He systematically set forth a historical case for Christ, beginning with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and Solomon (Acts 7:2-50). Concluding his defense, Stephen fearlessly rebuked the council, exposed their hypocrisy, and charged them and their fathers with the deaths of the prophets (Acts 7:51-53).
Rather than answer Stephen’s indictment, the lawless members of the council broke their laws and, without an answer or passing judgment, stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-58).
Those religious hypocrites were guilty of the blood of the prophets and having rejected Jesus Christ. They added to their condemnation the blood of Stephen. There was, however, one exception in that crowd of mockers: “The witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul” (Acts 7:58). Saul of Tarsus, the great persecutor of the church, would soon come face to face with the reality of a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).
Closing thought –
I trust that Stephen’s knowledge of the Scriptures and his courageous example will stir your heart to study the Old and New Testament Scriptures, embolden your faith, and encourage you to be a faithful witness for Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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