The Spirit-Filled Servant Acts 6:1-15

“But as the believers rapidly multiplied, Acts 6:1-7 “But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.” ‎ Comments in NOTES

“So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. ‎ And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. ‎ Next Slide

Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.’ Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). Comments in NOTES

Acts 6:6 “These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.” Comments in NOTES

“Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:17-21 “Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Next Slide

"Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Comments in NOTES

“So God’s message continued to spread. Acts 6:7 “So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.” Comments in NOTES

“Many priests were joining the community meant that the ties which attached many of the believers to the temple order would be strengthened. It is not suggested that these priests relinquished their priestly office; the logic of such a step would not be generally appreciated at this stage. Next Slide

opposition to the gospel came. The ordinary priests were socially and in other ways far removed from the wealthy chief-priestly families from which the main opposition to the gospel came. Next Slide

like Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, men who would readily be Many of the ordinary priests were no doubt men holy and humble of heart, like Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, men who would readily be persuaded of the truth of the gospel.” F. F. Bruce

performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. ‎ Stephen in Seized ‎ Acts 6:8-15 “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. ‎ But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. Comments in NOTES

“Interestingly Stephen was “full of” or controlled by five factors: The Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power” (Acts 6:3, 5, 8) J. F. Walvoord Comments in NOTES

So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, 9-11 “They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. ‎ So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, ‘We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.’

“This roused the people, the elders, and Acts 6:12-14 “This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. ‎ Next Slide

‎ The lying witnesses said, ‘This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.’ ‎ Comments in NOTES

“Normally, Luke would not know what the opponents of Stephen secretly induced men to say. Possibly he knew it because a man named Saul of Tarsus was among the opponents. Some of them were from Paul’s home region of Cilicia. Saul (who became known as Paul the apostle) may have told Luke about this incident.” David Guzik Comments in NOTES

“At this point everyone in the Acts 6:15 “At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” Next Slide, FF Bruce

eyes burning with the inner light.” “But while his accusers pressed their charge against him, Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin with face aglow, as one who stood consciously in the presence of God. This was “not the mild, gentle look that is often seen in paintings of angels; not the fierce look of an avenging angel, but a look that told of inspiration within, clear eyes burning with the inner light.” FF Bruce

“Be anxious for nothing, Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Comments in NOTES

Stephen’s strengths and accomplishments - One of the seven leaders chosen to supervise food distribution to the needy in the early church. - Known for his spiritual qualities of faith, wisdom, grace, and power and for the Spirit’s presence in his life.

- Outstanding leader, teacher, and debater. - First to give his life for the gospel.

Lessons to be learned from Stephen’s life - Striving for excellence in small assignments prepares one for greater responsibilities. - Real understanding of God always leads to practical and compassionate actions toward people.

“The former account I made, Acts 1:1 “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,”