A Study Through Acts

1
Chapter 6 - 7
A Study Through Acts
2
Introduction.

• In our study of Acts 5, we saw four important
  events
• The deception of Ananias and Sapphira.
• Miracles were used to confirm the words of the
  apostles.
• The angel of the Lord delivered the apostles from
  prison.
• Gamaliels wise advice regarding dealing with the
  apostles.

3
A Problem with the Daily Distribution

• During the first days of the church, some of the
  Hellenist widows were being neglected during the
  daily distribution. (Acts 61)
• The apostles told the brethren to select seven
  men to be entrusted with the daily distribution.
  (Acts 62-4)
• The multitude chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus,
  Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.
  (Acts 65-6)
• As the word of God spread, the number of the
  disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.
  (Acts 67)

4
Stephen is Brought to Trial

• Some of the religious leaders accused Stephen of
  blasphemy. (Acts 68-15)
• Stephen gave a defense by reciting some key
  points in Israels history. (Acts 71-50)
• Abraham to Isaac and Jacob. (vs 2-8)
• The selling of Joseph to Egypt. (vs 9-16)
• The oppression of the Israelites to their forty
  year wanderings in the wilderness. (vs 17-36)
• Stephen expounded upon the disobedience of the
  Israelites when they rejected Moses and the law
  given to him by God. (vs 37-43)

5
Stephen is Brought to Trial

• Stephen gave a defense by reciting some key
  points in Israels history. (Acts 71-50)
• 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)

6
Stephen is Brought to Trial

• Stephen laid a charge against the council. (Acts
  751-53)
• Stephen charged them with resisting the Holy
  Spirit as did their fathers. (vs 51)
• Stephen charged their fathers with persecuting
  the prophets and with killing those who foretold
  the coming of the Just One. (vs 52a)
• Stephen charged the Jews present with betraying
  and murdering the Just One. (vs 52b)

7
Stephen is Brought to Trial

• Stephen provoked the council to anger with his
  charge against them. The people took Stephen and
  stoned him. (Acts 754-60)
• The people were cut to their heart by Stephens
  words. (vs 54)
• Stephen looked to heaven and saw the glory of God
  and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (vs
  55-56)
• 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)

8
Key Events from Acts 6 - 7

• Key Event 1 There is a distinction between the
  work of the church in evangelism and providing
  benevolence to needy saints.
• The apostles instructed the people to choose
  seven men for the task of seeing to the daily
  distribution. (Acts 61-6)
• The main focus of the local church is to be the
  pillar and ground of Truth.
  (Cf. 1 Timothy 315)
• While both works must be tended to, the work of
  benevolence must never interfere with the work of
  evangelism.

9
Key Events from Acts 6 - 7

• Key Event 2 Great many of the priests
  converted to the word of the Lord. (Acts 67)
• Even religious leaders who are in error can be
  taught the word of the Lord.
• Just because someone is a religious teacher or
  leader in some other religion does not mean that
  he cannot be taught.

10
Key Events from Acts 6 - 7

• Key Event 3 The Jews present with Stephen had
  rejected Jesus, just as their fathers had
  rejected those who had foretold the coming of
  Jesus. (Acts 751-53)
• There will be those who will reject the Word of
  God.
• This is a key point in that people continue to
  reject the word of Jesus.

11
Key Events from Acts 6 - 7

• Key Event 4 Those who heard Stephen were cut
  to the heart. As a result, they turned on
  Stephen. (Acts 754-56)
• Some people will be strongly affected by Gods
  word.
• In Acts 237, many people present were pricked in
  their heart and, as a result, they sought a
  solution to their sin. (Cf.
  Acts 238-41)
• Even today, different people will respond
  differently to Gods Word.

12
Key Events from Acts 6 - 7

• Key Event 5 After the beginning of the church,
  Stephen was the first martyred for the cause of
  Jesus Christ. (Acts 754-60)

13
In Conclusion

• Remember the key points seen in our study
• There is a distinction between the work of the
  church in evangelism and providing benevolence to
  needy saints.
• Even religious leaders who are in error can be
  taught the word of the Lord.
• There will be those who will reject the Word of
  God.
• Some people will be strongly affected by Gods
  word.
• Stephen was the first Christian martyred for the
  cause of Jesus Christ.