Men's Ministry
Please read Acts 6:1-7
9. What was the result of picking these seven men to serve?
10. What does it mean that the “word of God continued to increase?” It can’t mean that the New Testament is being written because that doesn’t start for another decade or two.
10. What does it mean that the “word of God continued to increase?” It can’t mean that the New Testament is being written because that doesn’t start for another decade or two.
Please read Acts 6:8-15
11. We were introduced to Stephen as the first of the seven men chosen to serve the Hellenistic widows. In verse 8, we’re told that he was “full of grace and power” and that he “was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” The apostles were doing miracles in chapter 5, but Stephen is not an apostle. Why is he doing miracles?
12. When comparing the manuscripts from which we translate the Bible into English, there is a question about whether Luke’s original text said that Stephen was “full of faith and power” or “full of grace and power.” Is this important? Does this make you wonder if the Bible can be trusted?
13. Why did this dispute arise between Stephen and the people of the Freedmen Synagogue (or the Libertine Synagogue in some translations)?
12. When comparing the manuscripts from which we translate the Bible into English, there is a question about whether Luke’s original text said that Stephen was “full of faith and power” or “full of grace and power.” Is this important? Does this make you wonder if the Bible can be trusted?
13. Why did this dispute arise between Stephen and the people of the Freedmen Synagogue (or the Libertine Synagogue in some translations)?
14. The apostles had the support of the people. In chapter 4, the Sanhedrin could not punish the apostles (or kill them in chapter 5) because the people held them in high regard and the Sanhedrin was afraid of the people. This favor undoubtedly extended to all the believers in Jesus, including Stephen. Why, then, did they concoct this secret plot to discredit Stephen by charging him with blasphemy?
15. The Freedmen had to turn popular opinion against Stephen before they could deal with his ability to refute their beliefs. Should we allow popular opinion shape the vision or focus of the church today? Why or why not?
16. What were the charges of the Freedmen? See verses 11 & 13-14.
17. The false accusations brought against Stephen caused him to be brought before the council. Before Stephen spoke a single word, what did the members of the council see? What do you think it looked like?
18. What was required for Stephen’s face to be like the face of an angel? Is it possible for your face to be like the face of an angel?
15. The Freedmen had to turn popular opinion against Stephen before they could deal with his ability to refute their beliefs. Should we allow popular opinion shape the vision or focus of the church today? Why or why not?
16. What were the charges of the Freedmen? See verses 11 & 13-14.
17. The false accusations brought against Stephen caused him to be brought before the council. Before Stephen spoke a single word, what did the members of the council see? What do you think it looked like?
18. What was required for Stephen’s face to be like the face of an angel? Is it possible for your face to be like the face of an angel?