Acts 6
Acts 6:1-15
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
It wasn’t just the number of people converting to Christianity but also the number of disciples that was increasing. Apparently, there was a noted difference as decisions made were transformed into lives that actually followed in the way of Christ. And, this number was not diminished by physical threats as even many priests were joining those with a change of heart. How often it is that perilous times of persecution are when true discipleship rises. While things are comfortable and easy the necessity of complete dedication can diminish. The real disciple, though, standing unshaken in times of serious threats, becomes a draw to the many who are looking for something worth dying for.
While the severest threats are often reserved for those in prominent leadership, the enemy is intent on disrupting the ranks at every level. There is a significant role for Spirit-filled followers at every position, however, and the enemy would like to make a devastating impact on the whole body by taking out those less visible. With lies and deception, he’ll level his threats, but no weapon formed will be effective in silencing the kingdom purpose of any truly devoted disciple. For every plan of the destroyer, there is a plan to use what he intends for destruction to inspire and ignite passion for a similar life’s purpose. Though it may seem like an effect is made by the silencing of one voice, there is potential for it’s spread and amplification through others when it has been inspired and empowered by a vision of glory.
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