International Sunday School Lesson March 24, 2024 Spring #4
Background
The early church starts to grow. This growth triggers jealousy in religious circles. The religious folks content with Stephen and plot for his execution. The Spirit of God strengthens Stephen.
Church Grows
Acts 6:7 (ESV) And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
There are often a group of folks that believe but shy away from being public about it. This was even true during the life of Jesus. The book of John states, “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”1
The Christian will face persecution for time to time. However, we are commanded to spread the good news. Jesus says in Matthew, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”2
Stephen Ministers
Acts 6:8 (ESV) And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Stephen was in the first group of deacons. Thank God for godly deacons. Many are teachers and soul winners. Paul recited some of the qualifications of a good deacon to Timothy when he wrote, “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”3
Disputes
Acts 6:9-10 (ESV) Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. [10] But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
There is discussion between scholars regarding the identity of the Freedmen. The KJV calls this group the Libertines. This group might be from a particular geographical location. However, it is more likely that the group were newly freed slaves or descended from freed slaves.
It is not uncommon for arguments to arise over preaching. That is particularly true when there is a great move of God like the one that was happening in the days of Stephen. Satan was trying to slow the spread of the Gospel. We have promises to remember when Satan is fighting us. Jesus tells us, “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. [20] For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”4 Stephen did exactly what the Lord had instructed.
Stir Up
Acts 6:11-12 (ESV) Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” [12] And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council,
It is not uncommon for the world (and particularly the false religious folks) to find people to get angry at preaching. Stephen was a short time away from anger mixed with stones. This also happened to Paul in the book of Acts. Paul, who was there on the wrong side during Stephens stoning, was stoned nearly to death. Folks were often angry at Paul. Acts documented that, “But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.”5
False Witnesses
Acts 6:13-14 (ESV) and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, [14] for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
It often happens that Satan will get folks to lie about the people of God. They also did it with Jesus. Matthew records, “Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,” 6
Face of an Angel
Acts 6:15 (ESV) And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen was full of the Holy Ghost when he gave his defense. His face changed. I have seen countenance change when the Spirit of God moves on someone. The writer of Ecclesiastes stated, “Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.”7 I was not there when Stephen preached so I cannot compare. However, I am certain his face shone.
Concluding Thoughts
Depend on God when you are being persecuted. Stand firm in the faith. Preach the Gospel at every chance you get.
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