Bible Chapter: Acts 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The early church learned priorities and sharing the responsibilities of the ministries in the local church.  At first the apostles did all the work.  The church was growing rapidly and the responsibilities were quickly increasing.  They couldn’t handle everything.  When the complaints started happening, they knew they needed help.  They realized there were many who were filled with the Spirit of God and wisdom, so they appointed seven men to take over the administration of the aid to widows and those in need.  The apostles said they would continue to focus on prayer and proclamation.  This worked well.
    We hear about one of the seven, a man named Stephen.  He is described as a man full of God’s grace and power who did great wonders among the people.  This brought opposition from a local group known as the Synagogue of the Freedmen.  They conspired to tell lies about Stephen.  We will see his response in chapter seven.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I see the benefits of the local church working together.  We all have different abilities.  As we figure out what they are and then use them, the church advances because all are working together under God’s anointing.  I like the results, found in verse seven.  The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly.  We are commissioned to make disciples.  They were doing it by working together.
    One thing powerfully stands out as I read this chapter, it is the last verse.
Acts 6:15 NKJV
15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
    That is amazing.  Stephen knew all the things they were saying about him were lies.  He knew there was a conspiracy against him, and yet he sat there and what they saw was an angelic face.  He wasn’t seething in anger. He wasn’t accusing his accusers.  He wasn’t defending himself.  An amazing spirit of Christlikeness overtook him.  This is an amazing challenge to apply, but is worth it when we learn how to do it.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help by using the skills God has given me.  That sounds simple, but it will work.