Acts 1-2: Acts 5-7:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. – Acts 4:32 (NIV)
(v.1)
Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint (murmuring – [KJV], grumbling – [LSB]) developed… – Acts 6:1 (NASB)
First time believers are called
With growth came
Hebrew widows were from the
Hellenist widows were from the
(Paul) …If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. – 1 Timothy 5:16 (NASB95)
Result: Growing from Church
Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint (murmuring – [KJV], grumbling – [LSB]) developed – Acts 6:1 (NASB)
(v.2)
“It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve (diakoneo) tables…” – Acts 6:2 (NASB)
The Apostles aren’t saying they are
It was time to cut what was to do what was
In this case, doing what was was
Life Lesson: To have an effective life I must (vv.3-4)
The Apostles realize it was time to the people for
Qualifications to Oversee Ministry:
and
“…full of the Spirit and of wisdom…” – Acts 6:3 (NASB)
(vv.5-6)
Their ministry was in their
…through love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13 (NASB95)
Their ministry was unique to their
Their ministry wasn’t but
Their ministry was the beginning of
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. – Acts 6:8 (NKJV)
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. – Acts 8:5 (NASB95)
…we…stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. – Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) (AD 54)
Notice: They didn’t start by defining their calling, but by serving where needed
Three Results: (v.7)
The Word of God
The number of disciples
Key in the city were
…the whole body (Church), being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
– Ephesians 4:16 (NASB)
Stephan believed that God still wanted to do in people’s lives (Acts 6:5 & 8)
(v.9) When God grows the Church shows up
…Paul said, “I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia…” – Acts 21:39 (ASV)
(v.11) Then they bribed some men to lie. – Acts 6:11 (GW)
(v.12) Dragged, Seized, Caught: synarpazo – to seize with force and violence (MCED)