Introduction

The Hellenist (Greek) believers complain about the treatment of Hellenist widows (v 1).

Seven believers are chosen to address the problem, one of them, Stephen, comes into conflict with the Jews.

Verses
1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
3Therefore select from amongst you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
5These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;
6whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs amongst the people.
9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,
13and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

Questions

1. What was the complaint about and what did the twelve do about it?

v 1 to 3 ... a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “... select from amongst you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

2.  What effect did the spread of the word of God have in Jerusalem?

v 7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. ...

3. What did the members of the synagogues do when they could not answer Stephen?

v 11 and 12  Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,

Summary Points

  • v 1 to 7 A complaint arises about the treatment of Hellenist (Greek) widows. Seven men are appointed to ensure the Hellenist needy widows receive as much care and help as their Jewish counterparts
  • v 8 to 15 Stephen, although one of those responsible for welfare, also preaches very effectively. He infuriates the Jews who have no answer to his arguments. They arrest him, set up false witnesses and bring him to the council. He is accused of speaking against God, the temple and the law of Moses

Timeline AD 60

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