Morning Message: That Good Part

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "That Good Part"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Gamaliel’s words in Chapter 5, had a real impact upon the prevailing members of the Sanhedrin. As part of that group, Gamaliel, being a Pharisee, provided an alternative point of view, and a warning. But even with the warning, the Sadducees did not like the idea of control slipping away from them. They ordered that the Apostles be beaten.

But instead of disheartening them, this actually encouraged the Apostles! They praised God for being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Growing still, they continued forward, to resolve an internal church problem, and Deacons were to be appointed, as servants between the Apostles and the body of Believers, the Church. Seven men were identified as responsible, honest men, of good reputations.

Filled with, faith, and of the Holy Spirit, a believer named Stephen was appointed as the first Deacon of the Church. Followers of Jesus Christ were multiplying as days passed. Yet the Sanhedrin’s powerful Sadducees were in fear of losing control over the people.

The Apostles appointed six others to serve with Stephen. They were a varied group representing the various backgrounds and nationalities of the Church. The Doctrines of Jesus appealed to everyone, understanding that He died for them all. As the Deacons went about their practical duties of dealing with the day-to-day needs of the Church, the apostles were suddenly more accessible for prayer and for teachings. The Deacons were supplying the more practical needs of the church members. And the Church was new enough that the application of God’s Word could be, and would be necessary to teach the people to not judge, but to let them grow into the people God meant them to be, and guide them along the way.

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:40, 41

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 6:1-15 - "That Good Part"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Between the landmark events of the Jerusalem church's growth, Luke inserted snippets of information about the church's inner life as it grew and spread. Luke penned specific stories about the early church providing examples that teach us vital truths about the church, its purpose, its function, and ministry.  How do we deal with unbelievers? How do we respond to persecution?  How do we deal with conflict, and the needs of others.  How do we maintain unity?

As we continue our study in the sixth chapter of book of Acts, This chapter has two short sections. Acts 6:1–7 describes some of the growing pains of the early church and how the leadership responds.  

In Acts 6:2–4, the Greek word diakonia appears three times, twice translated as “ministry,” but also rendered “wait on.” The apostles indicate no superiority of the ministry of the Word over the ministry of serving people’s physical needs. They don’t belittle or negatively distinguish practical ministry from spiritual ministry in the church but instead designate tasks according to calling and equipping.

Ministry, or service, is the God-appointed responsibility of every believer. But God calls different people to different types of ministries based on their individual gifts and qualifications (Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 7:17).

The apostles were tasked with preaching and teaching God’s Word and refused to be sidetracked from that priority. Today’s Christian leaders would do well to follow their example for the sake of their churches’ health and growth. It’s not that the apostles were too busy for practical ministry. No, they were concerned that the spiritual well-being of the body would suffer if they let themselves get bogged down in areas of ministry that are wrong for them.

How wise the apostles were to effectively deal with the situation at hand and avoided the very real danger of division in the congregation. Yet they did so in a way that allowed them to continue focusing on what they needed to focus on without being distracted. So, the apostles avoided the twin dangers of division and distraction.

In the second section (Acts 6:8–15), is an introduction to the first Christian martyr and the start of real persecution against the church. Looking back, we know that well over five thousand men, (and counting women and children those numbers were up into the well past fifteen thousand), have chosen to follow Jesus (Acts 4:4; 5:14). The Jewish leadership take notice; they arrest the apostles, command they stop teaching in Jesus' name, and though the refrained from killing them, they beat them (Acts 5:40) thinking that their threats will stop them. However, their punishment has the opposite effect they'd hoped for; instead of intimidated, the apostles rejoice, knowing that if Jesus' enemies are persecuting them, they must be doing something right (Acts 5:41).

In this section we are introduced to Stephen. Stephen proves to be more than just an honest man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), he's also a great apologist who skillfully debates the Hellenist Jews who dispute the message of Jesus. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to be responsible over the distribution of food to widows in the early church after a dispute arose and the apostles recognized they needed help. He was also "full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). Opposition arose, but the men who argued with Stephen were no match for the wisdom given him by the Holy Spirit. So, the men decided to falsely accuse Stephen, labeling him a blasphemer and having him arrested (Acts 6:11-14).

Have you ever read Foxes Book of Martyrs? Have you ever wondered what was going through the minds of those facing death? Have you thought about their final words? The final words of Christian martyrs often reflect profound forgiveness, steadfast faith, and unwavering courage. Notable last statements span church history, from biblical figures like Stephen praying for his attackers ("Lord, do not hold this sin against them") to Polycarp refusing to renounce Christ after 86 years. To this day, Christian martyrs display extraordinary grace and faith because they rely on the supernatural strength of the Holy Spirit rather than human resolve. They view earthly life as temporary and fix their hope on eternal glory, mirroring Jesus Christ’s own forgiveness and sacrificial love even while facing intense persecution and death.

We will find out about Stephen's final moments next week in chapter seven.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: Coming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Multiplied (6:1) - Believers are multiplying and the church is growing. The figure could have reached well over 20,000 men and women.

Grecians (Hellenists) . . . Hebrews (6:1) - "Hebrews" were the native Jewish population of Palestine; "Hellenists" were Jews from the Diaspora.  The Hellenists' absorption of aspects of Greek culture made them suspect to the Palestinian Jews. 

Vincent’s Word Studies provides background information into the matter – “The word Hellenists denotes Jews, not Greeks, but Jews who spoke Greek. The contact of Jews with Greeks was first effected by the conquests of Alexander. He settled eight thousand Jews in the Thebais, and the Jews formed a third of the population of his new city of Alexandria. From Egypt they gradually spread along the whole Mediterranean coast of Africa. They were removed by Seleucus Nicator from Babylonia, by thousands, to Antioch and Seleucia, and under the persecutions of Antiochus Epiphanes scattered themselves through Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, and the Aegean islands. The vast majority of them adopted the Greek language, and forgot the Aramaic dialect which had been their language since the Captivity. The word is used but twice in the New Testament - here and Acts 9:29 - and, in both cases, of Jews who had embraced Christianity, but who spoke Greek and used the Septuagint version of the Bible instead of the original Hebrew or the Chaldaic targum or paraphrase. The word Ἕλλην [Hellén], Greek, which is very common in the New Testament, is used in antithesis, either to ‘Barbarians’ or to ‘Jews.’ In the former case it means all nations which spoke the Greek language (see Acts 18:17; Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 1:22, 1 Corinthians 1:23). In the latter it is equivalent to Gentiles (see Romans 1:16; Romans 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Galatians 2:3). Hence, in either case, it is wholly different from Hellenist.”

Widows Were Neglected (6:1) - the actual reason for the division is next explained, saying, “because their widows were neglected.” The Hellenists believed their widows were not receiving an adequate share of the food the church provided for their care (cf. 1 Timothy 5:3-16). The word translated as “neglected” is in the imperfect tense. It means that this was something ongoing. Being overlooked would not be unexpected in such a situation. A person who didn’t speak the language and who was alone and without anyone to speak for her, would have a difficult time going forward and being listened to. Those with an understandable voice would naturally receive attention without any difficulty and the others would be overlooked. They were missing out “in the daily distribution.” In other words, the money that was raised was to be distributed as needs arose. The Hebrew widows were coming forward and were receiving what they needed, but the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked, and that habitually. As such, they were truly alone, with no support, and even the distribution by the church – which they depended on to simply survive – was not being fair towards them.

Serve Tables (6:2) - The word translated "tables" can refer to tables used in monetary matters (cf. Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:15), as well as those used for serving meals. To be involved either in financial matters or in serving meals would take the Twelve away from their first priority. As this is a common job, anyone responsible enough could do it. To interfere with the apostles’ study and teaching of the word in order to serve tables would be counterproductive to the intent of their commission.

Seven Men (6:3) - These were not deacons in terms of the later church office (1 Timothy 3:8-13), although they performed some of the same duties.  Stephen and Philip (the only ones of the seven mentioned elsewhere in Scripture) clearly were evangelists, not deacons.  Acts later mentions elders (14:23; 20:17), but not deacons.  It seems, therefore, that a permanent order of deacons was not established at that time.

Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word (6:4) - These define the highest priorities of church leaders. 

And they chose (seven men) (6:5) - The apostles’ instructed that seven men should be selected to attend to the daily distribution while they would continue with the duties of their ministry. With that noted, Luke next records, “And the saying pleased the whole multitude.” This doesn’t mean that the apostles required their approval, but that the decision of the apostles was a good, just, and fair one that was agreeable to all who heard it. All of the names are Greek. Although this does not mean they are all Hellenistic Jews, it could mean that. Many Hebrews Jews had both a Hebrew name and another name, usually a Greek one. Whether they are all Hellenists or not, the Greek names show an affinity for the Hellenists. As such, they would be well-suited to be a part of the daily distribution where the Hellenistic widows had been previously overlooked. The selection shows wisdom because of this.

Stephen (6:5) -Stephen is the first to be noted of the seven chosen. The reason for noting him first will become evident as the narrative continues. His name (Stephanos in the Greek) means “Crown.” The word stephanos is used in the New Testament when referring to the crown of thorns on Jesus’ head, as well as the various crowns Paul, Peter, and James refer to in their writings. Revelation also uses the word eight times. Of this person, he is next described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” This statement will be more fully realized later in this chapter and throughout Acts 7. He had a deep-seated faith in the truth of God in Christ as it is realized in the Person of Jesus. He understood Scripture well enough to be able to clearly see that everything written there was leading to Jesus, and that Jesus was the fulfillment of it all. Further, later in this chapter, and as Stephen will speak before the people, the filling of the Holy Spirit for performing signs and wonders, as well as faithfully speaking about the scriptural writings, will become evident.

Philip (6:5) - Next, it says, “and Philip.” His name means “Horse Loving.” He will be noted again in Acts 21 as the evangelist with four daughters who prophesied. Also, as the name was a common one, he may or may not be the same person who preached in Samaria in Acts 8 and then later in the same chapter who met with the Ethiopian eunuch. Next, it notes the following men: Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas.

Prochorus (6:5) - The name Prochorus literally means “Before the Dancing,” or “Before the Chorus,” but the intent may be “Choir Director.”

Nicanor (6:5) - Nicanor literally means “Man of Victory,” but it may indicate 531 something like “Victorious,” or “Conqueror.”

Timon (6:5) - Timon means “Valuable,” or “Honoring.” Parmenas means “Near-Stayer.” One might paraphrase it as the “Guy Close By.”

Parmenas (6:5) - Finally, the list ends, saying, “and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.” The name means “Victor Over the People.” A proselyte is a non-Jew that has been circumcised and has adopted the religious practices of the Jews.

Prayed . . . Laid Hands on them (6:6) - This expression was used of Jesus when He healed (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40; 13:13; cf. 28:8) and sometimes indicated being taken prisoner (5:18; Mark 14:46).  In the Old Testament, offerers of sacrifices laid their hands on the animal as an expression of identification (Leviticus 8:14, 18, 22; Hebrews 6:2).  But in the symbolic sense, it signified the affirmation, support, and identification with someone and his ministry. See 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6; cf. Numbers 27:23. This act is a symbolic one of both petitioning God through prayer as well as the transferring of authority through the laying on of hands. Ultimately, it is the Lord who recognizes or rejects a person, but there is to be an open acknowledgment of the transfer of authority to others in this manner. This remains the case to this day because of the inclusion of the practice in Paul’s pastoral epistles.

Great Company of the Priests (6:7) - The conversion of large numbers of priests may account for the vicious opposition that arose against Stephen.

Were Obedient to the Faith (6:7) - God does not “command” anybody into salvation. He also does not “regenerate” people in order for them to believe. He set forth His proposition, and He asks us to believe: “I have sent My Son into the world. He has fulfilled the law and died for the sins of the world. I ask you to simply trust that and be saved.” That is the proposition. Obedience to it is “to believe.” However, true saving faith always produces obedience and submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ (16:19, 26; cf. 10:9, 10; cf. Matthew 7:13, 14, 22-27; James 2:17-20).

Synagogue (6:9) - These were meeting places which began in the intertestamental period where the dispersed Jews (usually Hellenists), who did not have temple access, could meet in their community to worship and read the Old Testament.

Libertines (Freedmen) (6:9) - Descendents of Jewish slaves, captured by Pompeii (63 B.C.) and taken to Rome.  They were later freed and formed a Jewish community there.

Cyrenians (6:9) - Men from Cyrene, a city in North Africa.  Simon, the man conscripted to carry Jesus' Cross, was a native of Cyrene (Luke 23:26).

Alexandrians (6:9) - Alexandria another major North African city, was located near the mouth of the Nile River.  The powerful preacher Apollos was from Alexandria.

Cilicia and Asia (6:9) - Roman provinces in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).  Since Paul's hometown (Tarsus) was located in Cilicia, he probably attended this synagogue.

Disputing with Stephen (6:9) - A formal debate is taking place. The word translated as “disputing” essentially means “to examine together.” It is rendered as “question,” “debate,” “discuss,” “argue,” and so on. They no doubt focused on such themes as the death and Resurrection of Jesus, and the Old Testament evidence that He was the Messiah. It is probable that when Stephen voiced his words concerning Jesus, they came back against him in a debate that eventually led to the forming of a charge against him.

For today's believers, the Bible is the source of our knowledge of who Jesus is. It is where we are to build our doctrine from. Anything that is said about our theology and doctrine must find its source there or be in accord with what is said there. If it isn’t, then it is something that came out of the head of man. The more one knows the Bible, the less likely it is that he will be duped into believing something incorrect. It is still possible, but it is less likely. For those who do not know Scripture, the probability is that they will be more easily led astray from what is sound. Read your Bible. Think about what you have read. Study theology after you know your Bible. And set your doctrine in accord with the Bible. It is important.

Blasphemous Words Against Moses and God (6:11) - Unable to prevail over Stephen in open debate, his enemies resorted to deceit and conspiracy. As with Jesus (Matthew 26:59-61), they secretly recruited false witnesses to spread lies about Stephen. the charges were serious, since blasphemy was punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). The exact words in the charge against him are found in verses 6:13, 14. They are words that have certainly added spice to those presented by Stephen, even if the substance of them may actually be close to what he said. This is because what Stephen said was, as already noted, surely in accord with Scripture. If it was not, then his words could have been easily resisted. However, they are falsely charging him with blasphemy “against Moses and God.”

To this day, what is recorded as Stephen’s words (in verses 6:13, 14), are charged by both Jews and unschooled Christians as being points of blasphemy. And yet, it is certain that they are words that are in accord with what is stated later in Acts and the epistles. As such, they are not words of blasphemy, but they are proper statements concerning the final, forever, and finished work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus of Nazareth Will Destroy this Place (6:14) - The false witnesses produced yet another lie, since Jesus' own words (John 2:19) referred to His own body (John 2:21). Jesus did not say that he would destroy the temple or Jerusalem. Rather, His words were a prophecy against the temple and the city, confirming that they would be destroyed. As distasteful as that may be to the Jews listening to the charges, it is not something that they could condemn Stephen or anyone else over. A comparable passage is found in Jeremiah 26:1-19. Jeremiah prophesied against the temple and the city. The people wanted to stone him to death, but then Scripture provided previous testimony that what Jeremiah prophesied would come to pass. Therefore, they could not stone him without being guilty of his blood.

Face of an Angel (6:15) - Pure, clam, unruffled composure, reflecting the presence of God (cf. Exodus 34:29-35).