Superhero Stephen, Acts 6

 

Acts 6:1
 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying,

Up to this point the Lord has been adding to the Church. He did a little subtracting with Ananias and Sapphira. Now for the first time we read that the Church is multiplying.

One thing He will never do, and that’s divide the Church. That’s the devil’s doing. A house divided cannot stand.

We’ll see in a moment, why I believe this multiplication information is placed here, in the context of this scene.

 …there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

Hellenists: Grecians, Greek speaking Jews.

This is basically the locals verses the transplants. In Florida, it’d be like the local Floridians verses the Snowbirds.

The daily distribution refers to food distribution to the needy. We still do that to this day. Jesus said the poor you have with you always. (Matt. 26:11; Mark 14:7).

Not because of lack. Since creation the earth has always had more than enough, because God is more than enough, and everything He creates is too.

The trouble isn’t God, or lack, it’s people.

So, our first family, as our example, addresses the issue.

Obviously, they’re far from perfect, as we see here, we have a complaint.

But, remember, they’re multiplying, and thus, growing pains are bound to happen.

This is how they handle it…

2 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.

What they’re not saying is that, they’re too good to serve tables.

Any minister that thinks he or she, is too good to serve, isn’t worthy of being a minister. The word minister, actually means, to serve. The word serve here is the same word in verse 4, for ministry; diakonia: service, ministry.

What they are saying is that we are a body, and the body has different parts, and different functions.

Meeting practical needs is part of ministry, it must be done for ministry to continue.

One time while Jesus was ministering, the crowd was great, He didn’t have a sound system or speakers, so He used one that He created. He got in a boat and launched a little from shore, and allowed the water to carry His voice to the people.

In our text, the practical need is feeding the needy widows. However, practical needs must never be at the expense of the Word of God.

The Church is not a social club, or a welfare program, it’s not a self-help, stroke my ego, make me feel better, save the whales, hug the trees, worship the climate, goosebump group.

The Church is an embassy in enemy territory. Where God’s people, His Ekklésia, are equipped to skillfully wield the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Jesus used the Word of God as a weapon against the devil’s temptation. We must do the same.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Dt. 8:3; Matt. 4:4.

Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3 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;

So, the apostles make a plan, and delegate the operation of it.

Notice the character of the people is the focus. Not controlling every detail of the operation.

If they’re of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, they’re good to go, hand ‘em the reins and turn ‘em loose.

They don’t control them, micromanage them, they trust God, to guide them.

4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

There it is again, reference to the Word of God.

Notice they add prayer. Prayer and the ministry of the Word of God.

It’s one thing to hear someone talk about a book they read with their head. It’s entirely different to hear someone talk about a Book they digest, and receive insight from the Author about what He said, and how it applies to you and I, here and now.

Prayer prepares the heart of speaker and the hearer.

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude.

That was a miracle.

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,

We’ll hear about Stephen in a moment, and then in chapter 7 he will preach the longest sermon in the book of Acts; and Jesus gives him a standing ovation.

We’ll hear about Philip the chapter after that, and see some, beam me up Scotty Star Trek action.

The other guys, we never hear from again. 

6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

They picked the seven, brought them before the apostles, and they laid hands on them and prayed for them.

It doesn’t matter that it was just for serving tables, they took this appointment serious. Because it wasn’t about serving tables, it was serving Jesus.

Colossians 3:17; Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.

Matt. 25:40; In as much as you’ve done it unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me.

Anything you do, whatever it is, it’s important, it’s powerful, it’s God’s work, it’s ministry; if you do it as unto Him.

You are in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

I’ve vacuumed and mopped more floors, hauled trash, scrubbed toilets, changed the stenchiest diapers in the world, cleaned up messes we can’t even talk about, not because I wanted to—but simply because Jesus did.

There’s no greater strength giving joy than doing something just for Jesus.

If you’re willing, but don’t know what to do, let us know, we’ll pray and find what ministry the Lord has just for you.

 

7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

There’s that word again, the one we mentioned in verse one: multiplied, multiplying.

Notice, this multiplication information is placed here, in the context of this scene; where the body becomes actively involved in the ministry.

It doesn’t matter what the work or activity, because it’s not the work, it’s the strength, birthed from putting feet to our faith, with one heart, one soul, in one accord.

Ecclesiastes 4:12; Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Everyone has a role in the strength and growth of their Church.

Mike heard the voice of the Lord when I asked a simple question about what he did with his leftovers. Some folks have too much, some have too little.

Donna has taken a Robin with a broken wing under her wing.

Mimi, like a missionary heard that still small voice of the Lord, to take new territory, canvasing the neighborhood, for Jesus.

Sherri, though a thousand miles away is a powerful prayer force, and voice of encouragement in every service.

Lee and Janet faithfully, bring supplies on Sundays and communion monthly.

Genny like an evangelist forever asking, inviting folks to Church.

Alberta, an uplifting wind beneath our wings, with her prayers and love filled messages, and texts from out of the blue.

Roxy, making coffee and taking care of so many things behind the scenes.

I’m know I’m missing people and I’m sorry, but it’s not about recognition anyway, it’s about giving God glory.

And there’s no better way to give God glory than to help Him build His Ekklésia. His Church.

Jesus said, I will build My Church, (Ekklésia), and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

Super hero Stephen (that’s what I call my grandson Stephen).

Notice, what it says about him. Full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs.

Wait. Isn’t he the guy they chose to wait on tables?

Yes.

Well, he’s just a waiter?

So?

He’s willing to work, willing to serve, and so, God is willing to use him. And you, if you’re willing and obedient. Isaiah 1:19.

9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

As the name implies, these were freed men. You Bible might read: libertines. They once were slaves, now they have a Jewish synagogue.

Although they were free in the flesh, they were slaves to sin, and refused to accept the testimony of Stephen regarding Jesus.  

This is the second complaint already in this short chapter.

The first one was from within, a legitimate need from within. They addressed it, adjuster for it, and took care of it.

This second complaint is different. It’s from without. Those religious know-it-alls, who should be within, but their stiff-necked arrogance won’t allow them to bow to a Carpenter from Nazareth, or the words of a mere waiter.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.

13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

You know you’re stepping close the serpent’s head when he starts to rattle.

Super hero Stephen, was doing just that.

We know a little bit how he feels.

A couple weeks back we spoke about being in one accord. And the serpent struck and removed our post from all our facebook pages, labeling it as hate speech.

The following Sunday, we weren’t able to livestream. Thankfully we also record to an SD drive and were able after much effort to upload it.

A couple days ago I received a call saying a few folks complained about our Church talking politics.

We know exactly what they really meant.

Back in Jesus’ day, and still today in many places, just the mention of the name of Jesus, triggers certain people. They have JDS (Jesus Derangement Syndrome).

Today, just saying the name, Trump, triggers certain people. They have TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome).

Evil has escalated so much that 5 days ago, Saturday, 7/13/24, multiplied millions of people around the globe, were less than an inch away from watching President Trump’s head being blown off on live television.

Today, people who call themselves Christians, don’t want to talk about it. They complain about, and try to silence, those who do. They won’t admit it, even to themselves, but down inside their TDS infected heart, the wish the assassin would’ve succeeded.

It is not politics to talk about it. It is necessary. To not talk about it is weak, fear-based caving in to wacky woke social peer pressure. It’s compromising with the ever-increasing escalation of evil.

So, back to my phone conversation:

It was suggested we stop posting on our park facebook page.

To which I flatly refused.

The Church cannot leave town square. Remember what the angel of the Lord said after freeing them from prison. Go to the temple and tell all the Words of this Life. Go where the people are, and preach.

The Church cannot step aside from its mission, especially when the rattler starts rattling, because its then you know you’re in the right position.

The Church cannot dilute the Truth for the sake of appeasement, the moment it does, it ceases being the Church, Jesus’ Ekklésia.

Okay, back to our text in Acts:

In our journey thus far in Acts, have you noticed the escalation of evil?

First, they were arrested, and let go with a warning.

Then, they were arrested and let go with a beating. They drew first blood.

Now, with the taste of blood, they’re circling like sharks around Stephen.

It will continue to escalate.

The world of darkness follows the same pattern today as it did then.

Notice the pattern in the last few verses we read:

Verse 11: They secretly induced folks to slander Stephen of the very evil that they themselves were doing.

Verse 12: Then they stirred up the mindless masses, gaslighting them into believing Stephen was evil.

Verse 13-14: Then in an effort to appear legit, they held a kangaroo court.

Notice the major shift in verse 15, like going from darkness to light in a blink.

15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

Oh, how the Lord wanted to reach those wicked people.

Just after the name Moses left their lips, the face of Stephen glows like Moes. Exodus 34:29.

If only they’d have paused for one moment, perhaps they’d have made the connection, and realized they were fighting against the very God, they claimed to serve.

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, we want to do what we do, for Your glory; to help You build Your Ekklésia. Help us to be like superhero Stephen, to keep our eyes fixed on You so even when surrounded by sharks, we shine with Your goodness and glory.

Lord, from here through eternity, we will be willing and obedient, thank You, for putting us, in Your ministry.

We love You, forever.

Amen.  

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This was feed for you to read. Now it’s Seed for you to sow.

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