A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Of note in the first section (6:1-7) is that the early church demonstrates a flexibility that is not seen in the other Jewish religious systems. Keener writes: “In contrast to the Council, which (like most institutions) preserved the vested interest of tradition (5:28), the believing community here proves flexible and ready to adapt to the new situation. Those at least somewhat at home in more than one cultural sphere form here a bridge to the church’s future.” (Keener, p227, Acts)

The narrative focuses particularly on two of the Hellnist leaders in the next few chapters: Stephen (6:8-7:60) and Philip (8:5-40). There is also mention of another Hellenist who, at this stage, is a persecutor of the church: Saul. All three of these men will become “bridges” to the future of the church in monumental ways.