Acts 6:1-15 Many of the disciples being baptized were visitors to Jerusalem and wanted to learn more before returning home. Disciples living in Jerusalem willingly donated funds to meet the need for food and other supplies. (Acts 2:44-46; 4:34-37) At this time, a delicate situation arose. “In the daily distribution” of food, the Greek-speaking widows “were being overlooked.” The Hebrew-speaking widows, however, were not being overlooked. The problem, then, apparently involved discrimination. The apostles recognized that it would not be wise for them “to leave the word of God to distribute food.” To resolve matters, they directed the disciples to search for seven men “full of spirit and wisdom” whom the apostles could appoint over this “necessary business.” Qualified men were needed because the work likely involved not just serving food but also handling money, purchasing supplies, and keeping careful records. The men chosen all had Greek names, which perhaps made them more acceptable to the offended widows. After giving prayerful consideration to the recommendation, the apostles appointed the seven men to care for the distribution. Among the men chosen was Stephen, who would prove himself to be a bold and powerful witness-bearer. Jehovah’s blessing was evident, for we are told: “The word of God went on growing, and the number of the disciples kept multiplying in Jerusalem very much; and a great crowd of priests began to be obedient to the faith.” Stephen witnessed powerfully to the truth, and was enabled to perform “great portents and signs.” He was “full of graciousness and power.” He evidently had a kindly, gentle, winning way with people. He spoke in such a manner as to persuade many of his hearers, convincing them of the sincerity of his heart and the wholesomeness of the truths he discussed. Soon, Stephen was singled out for vicious opposition. Various men rose up to dispute with him, but “they could not hold their own against the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking.” Frustrated, they “secretly induced” men to bring accusations against this innocent follower of Christ. They also “stirred up the people,” the older men, and the scribes, so that Stephen was forcibly taken before the Sanhedrin. The opposers leveled this twofold charge against him: He was blaspheming both God and Moses. In what ways? The false accusers said that Stephen blasphemed God in that he spoke against “this holy place”—the temple in Jerusalem. He blasphemed Moses, they charged, in that he spoke against the Mosaic Law, changing customs that Moses had handed down. This was a very serious charge, for the Jews at that time put great emphasis on the temple, the details of the Mosaic Law, and the many oral traditions that they had added to that Law. Thus, the charge meant that Stephen was a dangerous man, deserving of death! As Stephen faced the court, in an imposing hall, likely near the temple in Jerusalem, 71 men are arranged in a large semicircle. This court, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, sits to judge Stephen. The judges are powerful, influential men, most of whom have little regard for this disciple of Jesus. In fact, the man who convened the court is High Priest Caiaphas, who was presiding when the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus Christ to death some months earlier. Is Stephen frightened? There is something remarkable about Stephen’s countenance at this moment. The judges gazed at him. Stephen’s face was serene, angelic “as an angel’s face,” as he heard the charges against him. Angels bear messages from Jehovah God and thus have reason to be fearless, serene, and peaceful. So it is with Stephen—even those hate-filled judges can see that.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:30:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015