Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

6:1 Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 

Key Point: When we serve and advocate for the vulnerable in Jesus' name, we might get in trouble.

2 And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 

Key Point: There may come a time when you're asked to defend your faith or face threats because of your solidarity with a vulnerable minority group.

4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” 5 What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 

Key Point: In our community, we need leaders from diverse cultures and ethnicities to better serve everyone, and not just some.

6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

The Arrest of Stephen

8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 1

Key Point: The Holy Spirit could be using our opponents to prophetically critique us. Receive it, and don’t resort to violence.

Key Point: Jesus’ embrace of the excluded will always offend a nationalist—Jewish nationalist or Christian nationalist.

0 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 

Key Point: Spreading false rumors to damage someone’s reputation is easier than admitting you’re wrong.

12 They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13 They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Key Point: The Christian's New Hope empowers us to endure present struggle and suffering without despair. 

Acts 7

Stephen’s Speech to the Council

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53 You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.”

The Stoning of Stephen 

54 When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

Key Point: Loving one’s enemies is a central, non-negotiable part of Jesus’ teaching. 

Key Point: I can think of no greater witness to the beauty, the truth, and the power of the Christian faith than to die praying for the welfare of those who kill us.

Reflection Questions

1. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should care about the needs of the vulnerable. What vulnerable group of people is being neglected or targeted in our city? Whose needs are continually not being met? Christian hope challenges us to improve the social structures around us. Stand in solidarity with them. Advocate for them.

2. Being a kind, generous, and loving person won’t usually get you in trouble. It’s when you call out people’s pride, prejudice, idols, false hopes, and violent behavior that will get you in trouble. That’s what got Jesus and Stephen in trouble. Will you let the Spirit use your voice to speak the truth, even if it is costly?

3. Resist the temptation to turn against your fellow Christian. The Spirit might have to say to you through them. Can you receive their prophetic critique? Will you receive the truth or reject it?

4. People are going to use disinformation to stir you up to do unjust and immoral things. Are you willing to put in the hard work of growing in wisdom and discernment so as not to be deceived?

5. How much does your sense of security and success depend on wealth/resources (‘land’), your understanding of religion (‘law’), or the institutions you belong to (‘temple’)?

6. Even though death was imminent, Stephen’s hope in the resurrection gave him a supernatural serenity and confidence. His vision of the heavenly court overlaid on the earthly court confirmed his hope. Pain, loss, and death will not have the final word. Will you, like Stephen, choose the power of love over the love of power?

7. Can you be like Jesus and Stephen, pray for those who hurt you, and hold onto hope that God can redeem them?