SOME WIDOWS WERE NEGLECTED ACTS SIX"Perfect unity" is the term that best described the early days of the church. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul..." (Acts 4:32) As the church grew into a multitude some began to murmur. They felt that their widows were being... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE FIRST DISSENSION IN THE CHURCH ACTS 6:1-4:_ Until this time, the growth of the church had been great and the harmony of the church had been undisturbed. The number of disciples continued to grow rapidly. There were twelve, then a hundred and twenty, three thousand more, then five thousand more,... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE COMPLAINT WAS HEARD NO MORE ACTS 6:5-7:_ The wisdom of the decision to appoint these seven men was obvious as it was accepted by the church. Seven Grecian men were selected and the apostles sanctioned the selection. "They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_STEPHEN WAS ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY ACTS 6:8-11:_ The rapid growth of the church led to the third Jewish persecution. During this persecution, Stephen, one of the seven, became the victim. Stephen, a man full of grace and power, spoke for God with irresistible eloquence. He preached with power and per... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE FACE OF AN ANGEL ACTS 6:12-15:_ The Jews were unable to answer the things that Stephen taught about Jesus. They accused him of blasphemy against Moses and the customs he had delivered. They charged Stephen with blasphemy for saying Jesus would destroy the Temple. They stirred up the people agai... [ Continue Reading ]