Stephen was first among the seven disciples appointed to oversee the distribution of resources so that no one in the church—especially the neglected Hellenistic widows—would be overlooked. Yet his ministry quickly extended beyond this practical service. Luke describes him as a man "full of grace and power" who performed "great wonders and signs among the … Continue reading Stephen the First Martyr: A Divine Witness Against False Accusations
Acts 6:1-7: On the Appointment of Seven Servants in the Early Church
Luke tells of a second internal crisis within the fledgling church in Acts 6:1-7. The needs of certain widows were being neglected. The twelve resolved to appoint seven men to serve insuring that the needs of those women would be met. Let’s take a closer look at the passage to consider how the problem came … Continue reading Acts 6:1-7: On the Appointment of Seven Servants in the Early Church
Acts 5:12–42: Apostles on Trial and Gamaliel’s Intervention
Acts 5:12–42 recounts a second occasion in which the apostles stood before the Sanhedrin and likely would have faced a death sentence had it not been for the intervention of Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected member of the council. Through this account, Luke emphasizes that the apostles’ ministry in Jerusalem and beyond was truly the … Continue reading Acts 5:12–42: Apostles on Trial and Gamaliel’s Intervention
Understanding God’s Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira
The tragic end of Ananias and Sapphira comes as an anticlimactic turn in the life of the fledgling church. Just prior to their demise, the community of believers were of “one heart and soul.” They shared their resources freely, and the apostles bore powerful witness “to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” with “great grace…upon … Continue reading Understanding God’s Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira
The First Christians Respond to the Rage Against God and Christ in Acts 4:24-30
The first Christians faced an unparalleled crisis. Peter and John were ordered by the Sanhedrin to cease teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:1-4:22).[1] This censuring from the court posed a significant dilemma upon the disciples as such present profound implications upon Christ assignment for them to be His witnesses from Jerusalem to the … Continue reading The First Christians Respond to the Rage Against God and Christ in Acts 4:24-30
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