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The Background or Stephen’s Witness
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The problem that developed
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The problem - murmuring
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The Helenists - Jews who spoke Greek
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The Hebrews - Jews who spoke Aramaic
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Murmuring
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Complaining which spreads discontent
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Complaining which spreads dissension
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Complaining to the wrong people
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Murmuring brought the judgment of God in the wilderness – Exd 15; Exd 16; Exd 17
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The occasion: distribution of aid
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The support of the widows
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The charge of neglect by the Hellenists
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The solution to the problem
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The Apostles leadership – Act 6:2-4
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It was direct - they acted
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It was wise
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They used other men
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They allowed the gifts in the Body
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They continued in their own calling - tithe, ministry of the Word, and prayer
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The appointment of seven men
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To take care of the needy
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To free the Apostles from unnecessary duties
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The qualifications of those appointed – Act 6:3
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They were to be men, not women
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They were to be from the group, that is, believers
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They were to be of honest reputation
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They were to be spiritual men
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Carnal - a Christian who counts on something in himself
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Spiritual - a Christian who is resting in Christ
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They were to be men of wisdom
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Able to apply Scriptural truth to practical situations
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Wisdom is the use of common sense - Scriptural truth
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The men selected were Hellenists
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The appointment of the men – Act 6:6
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They prayed together
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The Apostles laid their hands on them - the act / of identification
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The results – Act 6:7
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The Word of God increased
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The number of disciples multiplied greatly
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A great many priests were obedient to the faith
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Stephen did great miracles
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The miracles were to confirm association with the Apostles
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To confirm new things - the extension of ministry
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The miracles did not continue after the Apostles and completion of Scripture