Study #4 Acts 6:1-15
Recap
In our last study, we read about the first healing in the book of Acts as well as the beginning of the persecution of the church. We saw that the disciples began to do what Jesus did, and that just like when Jesus performed miracles, it was also met with resistance. The disciples remained faithful and continued to preach the gospel despite the persecution that it may incur. As they exclaimed, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard!”
Introduction
This week, our reading picks up 2 chapters later in Acts 6. The disciples have continued to heal, preach and teach; as a result, many more have joined the church. It has grown from a small group of around 100 to a group of thousands, and as it grows, it continues to face resistance. The challenges are not only external, as the movement grows, internal conflicts increase as well; in Chapter 5, we read about lying a pride as growing problems (Ananias & Sapphira), and in this chapter, we discover that there is discrimination between different cultures and backgrounds (Hellenistic & Hebraic Jews), as well as a challenge in distributing resources the church has received with wisdom and love.
In today’s reading, we will see how the apostles begin to manage the organizational challenges the church faces. We will explore how members of the church are given different responsibilities according to their gifts and talents, and yet, no matter what we do within the church, we are called to teach and proclaim the good news when the opportunity comes.
With that in mind, let’s read this week’s passage.
Read Acts 6:1-15
(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)
Three Quick Questions:
Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?
Diving Deeper
In 6:1, the growing church faces a problem; there is a divide between the Hebraic & Hellenistic Jews.
Hebraic Jews primarily lived in Israel and spoke Aramaic or Hebrew; they would have looked more culturally Jewish in their dress and daily practices, that is, more closely lived according to the Torah.
Hellenistic Jews would be those who were more adapted to both Greek and Roman Culture. They were still Jewish, but they had adopted the culture around them; they spoke Greek and commonly used Greek dress and culture.
This means that the first internal problem in the early church wasn’t over doctrine but culture. The Hellenistic Jews felt overlooked by the Hebraic Jews.
Why do you think cultural differences so easily lead to division, even among believers?
How do you think the church should respond to this?In verse 2, we see that a larger problem is at work for the apostles. The apostles recognized the injustice (Hellenists vs. Hebrews) but were more concerned that the dispute might pull them away from preaching and prayer.
Why do you think they were so concerned about this?
How do you feel about the disciples' response - giving the responsibility to other people?
In your own life, how do you discern between what feels like urgent needs and your God-given priorities?The apostles entrusted “table service” to others, rather than trying to do everything themselves.
What does this decision show us about humility and leadership in the church?
How does this challenge the way we think about “important” vs. “less important” ministry?In verse 8, we see something surprising: Stephen, one of the men who had been set apart to serve tables, is now also “performing signs and wonders among the people,” and he is persecuted and killed for his faith. Before he is killed, he also preaches the gospel to those who are killing him.
What does this teach us about how God uses people beyond their assigned roles?
How might Stephen’s example challenge the way we view our own service or calling?What do you think it means that the Sanhedrin saw Stephen’s face like the face of an angel?
Benediction:
(If you are using the daily offices, save this till the end).
Go from here as witnesses of what you have seen and heard.
Share God’s love with those you meet.
Bring hope to those who are in despair.
Live lives of gratitude and praise.
And may the love of God,
the peace of Jesus Christ,
and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit
be within you and among you until we meet again.
Amen.
