Pause for thought

God used the persecution that had arisen following the stoning of Stephen to drive the church out of Jerusalem, They were scattered everywhere preaching ( gossiping the gospel) 8:4 see Acts 1:8.

Philip was a deacon not an apostle, he was a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith 6:5 He had left Jerusalem because of the persecution and found himself in the city of Samaria. As he preached the gospel and did many miracles, this caused his hearers to listen intently to his message about the Kingdom of God and the person of Jesus. Many believed and were baptised in water 8:12

These Samaritan believers were born again believers they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Now through the laying on of hands by the Apostles Peter and John they received a new experience of empowerment as the Holy Spirit “fell upon them”. The Holy Spirit was now not only in them, but also on them, this was their baptism “in” or “with” the Spirit 8:15

There was a great move of the Spirit in Samaria, great joy! with many believers being added to the church. Where there is revival and Holy Spirit power, sins not repented of often come to light, as with Ananias and Sapphira see 5:1-11 so Simon the sorcerer’s sin was revealed when he offered money for the gift of God. Peter saw that Simons heart had been poisoned by bitterness and was bound by iniquity. Please note Peter gave Simon the opportunity to repent 8:22-24.

A verse to remember

And the Multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did 8:6. N.K.J.

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Pause for thought

Stephen is remembered as the first Christian to give his life for the Lord, and the gospel. He is remembered for the Holy Spirits presence in his life, he was an outstanding leader, teacher, and debater 7:2

The High priest and leading Jews were outraged that rather than defend himself, Stephen went on the attack. speaking by the Holy Spirit he exposed their hearts for displaying the same rebellious spirit just as their ancestors had done when they resisted God throughout the history of Israel. They were uncircumcised in their heart and ears, they thought that because they had been circumcised they were OK. Outward ritual does not make anyone right with God, in fact according to this verse it can cause spiritual deafness 51. And a desire in the heart to return to Egypt and slavery 39

Stephen had been accused of speaking against the Temple 6:13, But he knew that God is not limited to living in Temples made of stone, but in hearts that are open to receive Him Isaiah 66:1-2.

Stephen’s life is a continual challenge to all Christians. Because he was the first to die for the faith, his sacrifice raises questions: How many risks do we take in being Jesus followers? Would we be willing to die for Him? Are we really willing to live for Him? ( N.L.B. foot notes)

A verse to remember

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Acts 7:55 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Don’t get distracted from your God given task, the Apostles didn’t. Where there is church especially when it is growing, problems arise! On this occasion it was recognised by the Apostles as a genuine need to be addressed, and also they probably saw it as an opportunity to delegate and involve others in the work. They made it clear to the church that they were called to continually pray and teach/preach the word 6:4

This is probably the first recorded church meeting in the Bible Acts 6:2. The Apostles set the brief the men you choose must be of good reputation , full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The congregation recommended seven men for Approval for ordination by the Apostles, note the absence of a vote! 6:5-6

Administration is not a lesser calling than Apostleship, the candidates must be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, wisdom is can be defined as the right application of knowledge Romans 11:33

The Word of God spread like the ripples on a pond, the gospel continues to spread as the Word is preached and Gods children each contribute. Your part whatever it is, is just as important and significant in spreading the gospel 6:7

Stephen was not an apostle, but was a man full of faith and power and did great signs and wonders. He was fast becoming a thorn in the devils side so it’s not surprising that he became a target. When witnessing for Christ we must never forget we are in a spiritual battle, we become targets so we should not think it strange if the devil tries to cause us problems , it simply shows the effectiveness of the Holy Spirits ministry at work in us. 6:11 and 1 Peter 4:12:14.

A verse to remember

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7 N.K.J.V.

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Pause for thought

Peter and John’s zeal for the Lord was so strong they could not keep quiet even when threatened. But they knew where their power lay. Which is why when they met together with the rest of the believers they prayed for more boldness, the Lord replied by filling them all again with a fresh dose of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said, “if anyone acknowledges me publicly here on Earth , I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven” Mathew 10:32. Our relationship with Jesus although personal is never meant to be kept a secret.

Notice that the disciples didn’t pray for a change of circumstance or a more favourable atmosphere, but for Holy Spirit boldness and more opportunity to do signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. Sometimes we may feel discomfort when we talk about Jesus but personal discomfort is not necessarily persecution. Some set backs can spur us to be more courageous. Christian boldness is never reckless but requires courage to press on despite our fears 4:29.

As the believers prayed they quoted from psalm two, this prophetic psalm foretold the opposition against Christ from the very beginning of His ministry to His Crucifixion. What His will determines, His power carries out. No Army, government, or council is able to stand in Gods way. N.L.T. Foot note 4:28

God’s Sovereignty does not mean that those who were involved in the crucifixion were unable to exercise free will 4:27-28.

A verse to remember

In fact everything they did occurred according to your eternal will and plan. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. Acts 4:28-29 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

The Sadducee’s who did not believe in miracles or in the resurrection were confronted by a man who had been crippled, but now miraculously healed in the name of Jesus whose death they had consented to. This miracle was evidence that Jesus really was alive from the dead and certainly no rumour4:1-2.

The truth of Christs resurrection as proven by the now healed cripple, challenged the views is the Sanhedrin. And when they asked Peter and John “by what power and name have you done this?” Peter did not back down but told it just as it was, This man is whole because God has raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus has healed this man!

Peter and John were bold because they were full of the Holy Spirit, the Sanhedrin recognised that they had been with Jesus. Our testimony maters, do people see a difference in us compared to unbelievers? if not why not? if they do then give God the glory, and keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit like Peter and John 4:13.

All roads do not lead to God, some unbelievers react negatively to this fact “Jesus is the only way to heaven” This is not something the early church decided; it’s what Jesus himself taught, please read John 14:6 there is only one way to be saved from our sins.

A verse to remember

“Nor is there Salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 N.K.J.V.

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