Real Hope: A Study of Acts 6 -11Sample

Life Changing

READ ACTS 6

The early church was busy! So many things were going on that are recorded in these early chapters of Acts. In Acts 6, there are two significant moments recorded. The first was the recognition that many Jews with a Greek-speaking background were becoming believers and needed particular care and physical and pastoral assistance. So seven were chosen to oversee this and ensure that all the believers were being cared for. What made these seven so significant? We can see how they are described in vs. 3 – full of Spirit and wisdom. They trusted God and knew Him and were thoughtful and considerate. From this matter being addressed, the work of the Gospel continued.

The second was the story of Stephen, one of the seven. Stephen’s ministry was very powerful, but certain groups didn’t like it, so they stirred up so much trouble that the Jewish authorities and leaders took Stephen in for questioning (Acts 7) and brought false testimony against him. As they gathered and looked at Stephen, they saw his face was like an angel's. I don’t know what this looks like, but I’ve met people who love Jesus deeply and have had a life-long relationship with Him. Their faces convey the love of Christ in all they do through their conversations and interactions.

Let us be encouraged by the early church, be excited about how God acts, and have confidence that we are also part of something powerful and life-changing.

Written by DAVID BARKER