ACTS SERIES: CONFLICT WITHIN THE CHURCH – CHAPTER 6

As the body of believers grew in Jerusalem, problems occurred between the Grecian Jews, who were Hellenists and spoke only Greek, and the Hebrew Jews, who were Hebraists and spoke Aramaic. Apparently, the Grecian widows were overlooked when it came to the daily distribution of food, and this caused dissension between the two groups.

Knowing that their time needed to be spent praying and ministering, the twelve disciples assembled the believers and told them to select seven men to serve the people. Also, they were not to just choose anyone but men who were honest, wise, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

This request pleased the believers, and Acts 6:5 says, “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 of Antioch.” To solidify the selection the apostles laid their hands on them, prayed over them, and commissioned them for their task. Furthermore, preaching the Word continued, and the church grew with new converts and priests.

Stephen, one of the chosen seven who was a man of faith and power and did miracles and wonders, came into opposition with men fromthe synagogue of the Libertines,  Cyrenians, Alexandrians, men of Cilicia, and Asia. These individuals found Stephen firm and unwavering in his belief; therefore, they disliked him and devised a way to destroy him. Unfortunately, they got false witnesses to lie and say Stephen was speaking blasphemous words against Jerusalem and the law and that Jesus would destroy Jerusalem and change their customs. This incited the people, elders, and scribes who had Stephen arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin council.

This chapter ends with the council members looking at Stephen’s face, which appeared angelic to them, and in the next blog covering chapter seven, I will share Stephen’s eloquent rebuttal speech. I close this blog with the following nuggets I gathered from chapter six:

When people are overlooked, they feel slighted.

Partiality should not be practiced among believers

Leaders are responsible for handling problems that arise in their midst.

Seek to foster unity and not division.

Know what you are called to do.

Prioritize prayer and the Word above everything else.

When a change needs to be made, make it.

Leaders can share their load with responsible persons.

Place persons filled with the Holy Spirit, good character, and wisdom in administrative positions.

The anointing on your life is recognizable.