Bill Acton :: Acts 6 - Stephen's Witness Before the Council (Part 1)

Sermon Outline for Acts 6

Stephen's Witness Before the Council (Part 1)

1. The Background or Stephen’s Witness
   1. The problem that developed
      1. The problem - murmuring
         1. The Helenists - Jews who spoke Greek
         2. The Hebrews - Jews who spoke Aramaic
         3. Murmuring
            1. Complaining which spreads discontent
            2. Complaining which spreads dissension
            3. Complaining to the wrong people
            4. Murmuring brought the judgment of God in the wilderness – Exo 15; 16; 17
      2. The occasion: distribution of aid
         1. The support of the widows
         2. The charge of neglect by the Hellenists
   2. The solution to the problem
      1. The Apostles leadership – Act 6:2-4
         1. It was direct - they acted
         2. It was wise
            1. They used other men
            2. They allowed the gifts in the Body
            3. They continued in their own calling - tithe, ministry of the Word, and prayer
      2. The appointment of seven men
         1. To take care of the needy
         2. To free the Apostles from unnecessary duties
   3. The qualifications of those appointed – Act 6:3
      1. They were to be men, not women
      2. They were to be from the group, that is, believers
      3. They were to be of honest reputation
      4. They were to be spiritual men
         1. Carnal - a Christian who counts on something in himself
         2. Spiritual - a Christian who is resting in Christ
      5. They were to be men of wisdom
         1. Able to apply Scriptural truth to practical situations
         2. Wisdom is the use of common sense - Scriptural truth
      6. The men selected were Hellenists
   4. The appointment of the men – Act 6:6
      1. They prayed together
      2. The Apostles laid their hands on them - the act / of identification
   5. The results – Act 6:7
      1. The Word of God increased
      2. The number of disciples multiplied greatly
      3. A great many priests were obedient to the faith
      4. Stephen did great miracles
         1. The miracles were to confirm association with the Apostles
         2. To confirm new things - the extension of ministry
         3. The miracles did not continue after the Apostles and completion of Scripture