In today’s passage, we see the Apostles appointing spirit-filled men to serve (Greek – deacon) the growing church by solving a dispute about equitable food distribution to both Hebrew-speaking and Greek-speaking widows. Taking this dispute off the Apostles plate allowed them to give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The example of servants being used to free teachers and preachers to maintain the focus on prayer and the preaching of the word of God has provided a model for deacons and deaconesses in today’s churches.
We also see the Jewish religious leaders intensify their persecution of the early Christians, but the Apostles, “…did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42 NKJV). In Chapter 7, the persecution culminates in Stephen’s arrest upon a false accusation of blasphemy and his martyrdom by stoning.
Stephen’s address to his accusers reveals how proud and rebellious men throughout history have persecuted those whom God sent to proclaim His message of reconciliation. Still, some do respond – Saul, who participated in Stephen’s stoning, was eventually converted and became the Apostle Paul. So, Pastor Kevin exhorts us to “not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” while there is still time.
Maranatha!
Audio Link Includes Communion Service
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