Day 95 – Tuesday, May 13, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

Acts 6

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

Seven Chosen to Serve

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ² Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

⁷ Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. 

(Acts 6:1–7, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• In this passage, a procedural issue is addressed. The apostles received complaints that certain widows were not receiving their fair share in the distribution of food.
• The apostles stated that their primary responsibility was to study the word and preach and teach. Therefore, they appointed seven men to serve as deacons to supervise this ministry and make sure everyone was adequately cared for. This would allow the apostles to stay in the word and prayer.
• It is important to note the qualifications of these deacons as well: a good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom.
• This brought a smoother process to the church and the word of God spread and converts multiplied throughout Jerusalem.

Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. ¹¹ Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. 

(Acts 6:8–15, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Stephen, one of the deacons, was a man of faith and power. He did many great wonders among the people. A religious sect disagreed with some of his teachings, and lied about him to the people, accusing him of blasphemy.
• Stephen was brought before the council, and these false charges were levied. But the people in the council meeting, saw on his face, the face of an angel.
• Have the Spirit of God in you and on you at all times. When the world comes against you, God will be for you!
• People need to see Jesus’ face, not our face, when they look at us.

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.