Acts 6 and 7

Recap

• Ananias and Sapphira revealed that their heart was deceitful. 
• Miracles and signs were done to validate the word of God. 
• The root for Peter and John was that they would obey God over man.
• In spite of them being arrested for teaching Jesus the church grew. 
• The Hellenistic Jews were scattered among the gentiles and had been saturated by that society and even spoke Greek. 

The Assyrian Conquest 722 bc

The Babylonian Captivity 586 bc

Acts 6:1-15 ESV 

Stephen Is Seized

Acts 7:1-60 ESV 

6:1-7

• At this point the church was less than 6 months old and there were problems arising already. 
• There was pride from the Hebraic Jews because they didn’t live among the gentiles and jealousy from Hellenistic Jews because of it. 
• This is much like what you have experienced when you have been a believer for years and new people begin to follow Christ. 
• We feel that they should or shouldn’t do things and they feel judged because they don’t measure up. 
• If you’re looking for perfection you won’t find it as long as you are there.

James 4:1-10 ESV 

• This is the start of deacon’s stepping up to help manage these things. 
• Introduction of other leaders. 
• The problem that was being addressed was a physical problem of favoritism but the issue began in the heart of the individual. 
• The heart is what the Holy Spirit specializes in. 
• Here it was pride but it may be something else in your life. 

6:8-15

• Stephen was doing great signs and wonders the purpose for them was to validate the word of God. 
• Some rose up from the Hellenistic Jews to dispute Stephen but they couldn’t out do the wisdom and Spirit that spoke through him. 
• Stephen was brought before a council and lied about. 
• Even the council could see the Spirit shining through him. 

7:1-53

• Stephen was asked a yes or no question that took him 52 verses to answer. 
• He started with Abraham and concluded with the crucified Jesus. 
• He was speaking to people that knew all this already but didn’t realize that they were repeating history. 

7:54-60

• They stoned him for speaking truth. 
• We are looked at differently because of our faith. 
• At times we are mocked or scrutinized for our way of life. 
• Stephen was literally buried for the cause of Christ and we may feel buried by the jokes and insults. 
• But are we buried or planted. 
• His witness is the first time we are introduce to a man named Saul. 

Conclusion 

The church started with a deep understanding of what God promised throughout history. 

Genesis 12:1-3 ESV 

• In Exodus 3-4 God calls Moses and tells him over and over I’ll be with and lead you and give you favor. 

Joshua 1:1-9 ESV

• Jesus even gave this same promise at least 2 times. 
• Matthew 4 he called Peter and Andrew by saying I’ll make fishers of men. 
• Matthew 28 he calls us to make disciples everywhere. 

God doesn’t call polished people He has called us.