The Growing Church

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The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 6

Biblical Church Bible Study Teaching
The Early Church of the First Christians Story

Great, you're back! Couldn't wait to share another bit of Daily Bread with you once again. Last time, remember we learned about commonwealth among the early Christians and about a little escape from prison that the apostles pulled off with the aiding and abetting of an angel of the Lord!

When the number of disciples increased, there was some squabbling among the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of things among the commonwealth.

The Apostles called the disciples together and said, It isn't good for us to leave the word of God to settle less important things. So, brothers, choose seven honest men from among you, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom that we can appoint over these things, but we'll dedicate ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. Today we refer to these as shepherds and in the body of Christ, they have a certain spiritual gifts and a calling to deal with such things.

Biblical Church Bible Study Lesson
The Early Church of the First Christians Explained

If you'll remember back to Moses' day, when his father-in-law Jethro went to visit him in the wilderness, he saw how burdened Moses was with taking care of every domestic problem all the children of Israel had. He suggested that Moses appoint men who were well respected, and with good reputation as well, to take care of the smaller issues, while Moses concentrated on carrying out God's will. Now, let's rejoin the disciples.

They all agreed with the twelve, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte (convert) of Antioch.

They were brought to the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them, appointing them the responsibility. The Word of God spread, and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and many of the priests put their faith in the Gospel of Jesus. Don't you like how they refer to all the early Christians as disciples?

Biblical Church Bible Study Program
The Early Church of the First Christians Journey

Stephen, one of the seven newly appointed, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. This is a very interesting thing to note. Stephen wasn't an Apostle, and yet he worked miracles by the Holy Ghost. He was a disciple, like regular folk, but because of the strength of his faith, the Holy Spirit allowed him to do extraordinary things. Don't think for a minute that the same thing can't be done through you! Okay, back to our story.

Then some people from one synagogue (of the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians) started arguing with Stephen, but they weren't able to overcome the wisdom and the Spirit that he spoke with. They bribed men to say, We've heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.

They stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and came after him, and caught him and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses that said, This man won't stop speaking blasphemy against this holy place and the law. We've heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses gave to us. All those who sat in the council, staring steadfastly at him, saw his face, like it had been the face of an Angel.

Biblical Church Bible Study Summary
The Early Church of the First Christians Conclusion

Once again we see a Christian, persecuted for Jesus' sake, and yet, it seems that Stephen had the same rejoicing attitude that the others had to suffer shame in His name. Do you have a feeling that he's gonna say something great, being that the Holy Spirit made his face shine as an angel for the occasion? Next time we'll study the sermon that Stephen gave to the people, right here, at Daily Bread. Don't miss it!