Acts Study Through Acts: Chapters 6 - 7
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our study of Acts five, we saw four important events:
1. The deception of Ananias and Sapphira.
2. Miracles were used to confirm the words of the apostles.
3. The angel of the Lord delivered the apostles from prison.
4. Gamaliel’s wise advice regarding dealing with the apostles.
C. Let us begin our examination of Acts six and seven.
I. A PROBLEM WITH THE DAILY DISTRIBUTION.
A. During the first days of the church, some of the Hellenist widows were being neglected during the daily distribution. (Acts 6:1)
B. The apostles told the brethren to select seven men to be entrusted with the daily distribution. (Acts 6:2-4)
C. The multitude chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. (Acts 6:5-6)
D. As the word of God spread, the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. (Acts 6:7)
II. STEPHEN IS BROUGHT TO TRIAL.
A. Some of the religious leaders accused Stephen of blasphemy. (Acts 6:8-15)
1. Stephen did great signs and wonders among the people. (v 8)
2. Some arose from the Synagogue of the Freedman (Libertines) in opposition to Stephen. However, they were unable to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (v 9-10)
3. These men who opposed Stephen induced some men to falsely charge Stephen with blasphemy. These false accusers stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes. They seized Stephen and took him before the council. (v 11-15)
B. Stephen gave a defense by reciting some key points in Israel’s history. (Acts 7:1-50)
1. God calling Abraham to Isaac and Jacob. (vs 2-8)
2. The selling of Joseph to Jacob’s family going to Egypt. (vs 9-16)
3. The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt to Moses leading them from Egypt to their forty year wanderings in the wilderness. (vs 17-36)
4. Stephen expounded upon the disobedience of the Israelites when they rejected Moses and the law given to him by God. (vs 37-43)
a. Moses prophesied God would raise up a prophet. (vs 37) This Prophet was Jesus.
b. An Angel spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. Moses, along with the fathers of the Jews, received the “living oracles.” However, the fathers of the Jews did not obey the “living oracles,” instead, they rejected the oracles. In their hearts, they turned back to Egypt. (vs 38-40)
c. God gave these “fathers” up to idolatry. (vs 42-43)
5. Stephen referred to the tabernacle as well as the temple built by Solomon. Stephen then explained that the Lord does not dwell in temples made with hands. (vs 44-50)
C. Stephen laid a charge against the council. Stephen compared the council to those of Israel who rejected Moses and the commandments given by God. (Acts 7:51-53)
1. Stephen charged them with resisting the Holy Spirit as did their fathers. (vs 51)
2. Stephen charged their fathers with persecuting the prophets and with killing those who foretold the coming of the Just One. (vs 52a)
3. Stephen charged the Jews present with betraying and murdering the Just One. (vs 52b)
D. Stephen provoked the council to anger with his charge against them. The people took Stephen and stoned him. (Acts 7:54-60)
1. The people were cut to their heart by Stephen’s words. (vs 54)
2. Stephen looked to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (vs 55-56)
3. The people cast Stephen out of the city. They laid their clothes at the feet of Saul and preceded to stone Stephen. (vs 57-60)
III. KEY POINT:
A. The apostles instructed the people to choose seven men for the task of seeing to the daily distribution. This would allow the apostles to devote their time to prayer and the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:1-6)
1. There is a distinction between the work of the church in evangelism and providing benevolence to needy saints.
2. The main focus of the local church is to be the pillar and ground of Truth. (Cf. 1 Timothy 3:15)
3. While both works must be tended to, the work of benevolence must never interfere with the work of evangelism.
B. Great many of the priests converted to the word of the Lord. (Acts 6:7)
1. Even religious leaders who are in error can be taught the word of the Lord.
2. Just because someone is a religious teacher or leader in some other religion does not mean that he cannot be taught.
C. The Jews present with Stephen had rejected Jesus, just as their fathers had rejected those who had foretold the coming of Jesus. (Acts 7:51-53)
1. There will be those who will reject the Word of God.
2. This is a key point in that people continue to reject the word of Jesus.
a. Sometimes, they are the lost of the world.
b. Other times, they may be Christians who turn away from the Truth.
c. No matter who the person is who rejects the Truth, we must continue to teach.
D. Those who heard Stephen were cut to the heart. As a result, they turned on Stephen. (Acts 7:54-56)
1. Some people will be strongly affected by God’s word.
2. In Acts 2:37, many people present were pricked in their heart and, as a result, they sought a solution to their sin. (Cf. Acts 2:38-41)
3. Even today, different people will respond differently to God’s Word.
a. Some people will be pricked in their heart and they will obey.
b. Other people will be cut to their heart and they will become angry.
c. Then there are those people who will be indifferent.
E. After the beginning of the church, Stephen was the first martyred for the cause of Jesus Christ. (Acts 7:54-60)
CONCLUSION.
A. Remember the key points seen in our study:
1. There is a distinction between the work of the church in evangelism and providing benevolence to needy saints.
2. Even religious leaders who are in error can be taught the word of the Lord.
3. There will be those who will reject the Word of God.
4. Some people will be strongly affected by God’s word.
5. Stephen was the first Christian martyred for the cause of Jesus Christ.
B. In chapter 8, we will see the persecution of the church grow. Saints will be scattered abroad, preaching the Word of the Lord.
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A Study Through Acts: Chapters 6 - 7 - November 14, 2004 - File # 705 - Acts, a study of
by John M. Duvall - Lawton, OK