Announcement Video
summary of message
In Acts 6, we see that the number of the disciples was increasing while internal division was occurring between the Greek-speaking Hellenists and the local Hebrews due largely to cultural differences. The disciples begin to demonstrate how they delegate responsibilities through the choosing of the first deacons in the church to serve in practical, administrative ways. What can be taken from this is that diversity in the body only shows Christ’s unity so much more as he works through the various parts that come together for one common goal. Here we are also introduced to two major characters that we will hear from later – Stephen and Phillip – who both are a part of the larger group that continue to spread the word of God. Stephen is an example for us in this passage of what it looks like to be full of God’s grace and power, being used by God in the face of opposition to share the word of Christ with all power and wisdom that comes from the Spirit. Stephen is then accused of blasphemy and seized by the Sanhedrin who produced false witnesses, similar to that of what happened at Jesus’ trial. At the very end of this chapter, we are left with the fact that Stephen himself was a visible representation of the brightness of the glory of God as he was full of God’s perfect peace, knowing his life was in God’s hands despite the accusations and false truths he was facing. After walking through this passage, ask yourself are you in a place where you could be described as nothing more than being full of God’s grace and power? If not, what is holding you back from that and how can you fully surrender your life over to the workings of Christ through you?
