Acts Chapter 6
The church was continuing to grow by great numbers and the need for more leadership quickly became apparent. As more and more people came to know Jesus as their personal Savior, the enemy worked overtime to try to hamper the work of the early church. Some of the attacks of the enemy came from within the Jewish community. And some attacks came from within the church as the enemy attempted to divide the church.
Let's Reflect
1. How many men did they appoint to help with caring for the church people?
2. What characteristics did they consider in choosing this group of men to serve?
3. As a means of dedication to the work, the apostles prayed and laid hands on them. The enemy had not won. The church leadership had quickly responded and shored up any potential problems. What was the result of the ministry being able to continue?
4. The apostles recognized that they needed dedicated time for preaching the Word and for what other important ministry?
5. One of those men chosen to be a servant of the church (a deacon) was Stephen. Stephen was full of grace and power from the Holy Spirit and did signs and wonders. There were men who were intellectuals of the day that disputed with Stephen. What was the result of the disputes?
6. Because they could not outshine Stephen’s godly wisdom, they secretly did what?
7. What accusation was brought against Stephen that was the same accusation brought against Jesus?
Devotionals
