Acts 6:1-7
1 Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
3 Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
6 And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
7 The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Outbreak of Problem within the Church (4)
Stephen
(1) Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. (a) Faith is a prerequisite for being filled with the Holy Spirit. (b) Being “full of the Holy Spirit” means that his personality was dominated by the Holy Spirit. (2) He came to play an important role in the Jerusalem church. (a) Although he was not an apostle, he became the first martyr. (b) His death triggered persecution. (c) Believers were scattered, and the mission field expanded beyond Jerusalem.
Philip
(1) He began evangelizing the Samaritans. (2) He led the Ethiopian eunuch to salvation. (3) He hosted Paul in Caesarea.
Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch
(1) Before believing in Jesus, he had converted to Judaism. This is what is meant by “proselyte/” (2) The town of Antioch and converts to Judaism will become important elements in the narrative that Luke will record. (a) The church in Antioch will grow as a Gentile church and engage in world missions. (b) Furthermore, converts will be people who actively respond to Paul’s evangelism. “Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking to them and urging them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43).
Hellenistic Jews
(1) Hellenistic Jews were used to spread the mission. (2) The context of world missions is as follows: ① Dissatisfaction with the daily distribution → ② The selection of the seven (all Hellenists) → ③ The appearance of Stephen → ④ The martyrdom of Stephen → ⑤ Persecution → ⑥ The escape of Hellenistic Jews from Jerusalem → ⑦ Philip‘s evangelism to the Samaritans → ⑧ Evangelism to the Gentiles in Antioch (Acts 11:19-20) → ⑨ Establishment of the Gentile church → ⑩ The appearance of Paul → ⑪ World missions. People seek better methods, but God seeks better people. Let us recognize that every believer has a role given by God. Blessed are those who dedicate themselves to the Kingdom of God.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, all things are known to You. Please use me according to Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.