Acts 6

Posted on May 12, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Friday

It never ceases to amaze me at how fast problems can occur within an organization.

It didn’t take long before a couple of different groups within the Christian community felt like they were being slighted. So a plan needed to be devised. The Twelve called the church together to select seven men of excellent reputation to handle these duties, so that the apostles will have more time to concentrate on prayer and preaching. Did you notice that the seven men are not appointed randomly by the apostles, instead they are chosen by the church community?

Along with the other six men who were chosen is one named Stephen.  Stephen is a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. And Stephen will prove his loyalty.

Apparently along with his service, Stephen also performs great miracles. (This makes me think of the people at the food pantries that pray with the people they are helping. When we serve others what a great opportunity there is to share the gospel and love of Jesus.)

As it happened, some Jews tried to argue with Stephen but they were not able to stand up to the wisdom and truth that Stephen spoke. So they rounded up some people to lie about Stephen saying he had cursed Moses and even God and got him arrested. They charged him with blasphemy.  

You might notice that the charges brought against Stephen are similar to the ones they used against Jesus.

And then Stephen’s face changes as he is filled with the Holy Spirit.

I have wondered at times what I would do if I was ever put in a situation like this. Would I be able to stand up against the accusations? Of course we all pray that we will. And we have to know that the Holy Spirit is there for us, just He was there for Stephen. I just pray that I am also strong in the my every day encounters with opposition. It is a promise that I claim every day.. to stand up for Jesus in all places and at all times.

My prayer today is that all of us will be able to stand up for Jesus and ready to defend our faith at any time.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy