Acts 6:1-15
Now in those days, when the number of the
disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Grecian Jews against the
Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It
is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report,
full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the
word."
These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon,
Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;
whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid
their hands on them.
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied
in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the
faith.
Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs
among the people.
But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The
Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of
Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he
spoke.
Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses and God." They stirred up the people, the
elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him
in to the council, and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never
stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy
this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us."
All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face
like it was the face of an angel.
Insight- A great number of priests became obedient to faith in Jesus
Christ in the first century. They were willing to set aside their traditions of
old and embrace salvation through the Messiah Jesus. Stephen was a man full of
faith and power and he performed great wonders and signs among the people. Some
Jews opposed him and accused him falsely of blasphemy. But those who had discernment
saw that Stephen was an innocent man.
Question- Do you give more importance to tradition than to the Word of
God?
Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, grant me the gift of discernment as I
continue my walk with you in this fallen world. In Jesus name. Amen.
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