Full of Faith and Spirit

A Living Faith
Who Understands Faith?
Stephen's Arrest and Speech

Acts 6:1-7

The Message

The Word of God Prospered

6 ^1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”

^5-6 The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,
Philip,
Procorus,
Nicanor,
Timon,
Parmenas,
Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

⁷ The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.

For Reflection

Each of us has talents.  Not all of us has the same talent.  As disciples, we are use the talents we possess to advance the Kingdom of God.  How have you been using your talents?

Pray

that you will be so filled with the Holy Spirit and steeped in your faith that your life will be a witness to the Kingdom of God.  Pray that your faith will sustain you, comfort you and give you courage to use your talents in fulfilling God's will for you.