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, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and…
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 (Acts 6:3) Acts 6 tells us there was a problem among the first Christians. Because they were so generous, there was money to help the widows among them who…
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…but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:2, 4) A problem threatened to divide the young community of Christians. When one…
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. (Acts 6:1) To this point in the Book of Acts, Satan’s attacks against the church came in several different ways. Satan attempted many forms…
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily…
And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it–lest you even be found to fight against God. (Acts 5:38-39) The council was furious. Peter…
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) This was the second time that Peter stood before this council and gave such a bold answer. The previous time was recorded in Acts 4:19-20 when Peter and John said, Whether it is right in the…
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” (Acts 5:27-28) The religious leaders who…
But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:19-20) God was working in a powerful way through the apostles, and the religious leaders in Jerusalem didn’t like it….
So that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they…
Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. (Acts 5:13-14) Sometimes we think that when the church lives as it should, the church will be a magnet that draws all those who do not yet…
And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. (Acts 5:12) At this time, the community of the disciples of Jesus was still centered in Jerusalem. In that city, they gathered at Solomon’s Porch. This was an area…