Acts 6

Devotional by Alex Jones

Read Acts 6

Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 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.

Stephen Is Seized

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 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. 11 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, 13 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.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Devotional

Champion Forest exists to strengthen the Church. Strengthening the body of Christ was the primary goal in Acts chapter six. The early church leaders resolved an issue of service responsibilities by appointing seven specific men to focus on loving people in need. One of the men called to this task was Stephen. 

Stephen was a man who loved God’s church and was willing to serve in any way possible. As he served God and his people faithfully, Stephen faced countless obstacles, frustrations, and even persecution. Stephen’s devotion to God and his church led him to be our first Christian martyr, but the story of this chapter ends not with a conclusion, rather a powerful description of God’s servant—“his face was like the face of an angel.” (v.15b)

This ambiguous description of Stephen leads me to a straightforward application. As we serve God and his people, we can expect to face obstacles, frustrations, and even persecution, but God’s face always shines on those who wholeheartedly serve him and his people. As we aim to strengthen the Church, let our devotion to God be unmatched. May our preferences be secondary and our desire to look like Jesus be primary.

How can you strengthen the Church by serving God’s people?

What are some obstacles keeping you from serving faithfully and wholeheartedly?

26 thoughts on “Day Six | The Book of Acts”

  2. I appreciate the reminder that as I serve there are obstacles and frustrations. I am still called to assist the people whom God has placed in my path especially those who are dealing with health issues, broken marriages and fear. Regardless of how difficult it is, I will stay focused on encouraging them with patience and love, prayer and hugs. With God, all things are possible so no matter how bleak a situation appears to be, there is hope. I like what you said above Alex… “May our preferences be secondary and our desire to look like Jesus be primary.” When I think I have nothing left, He refreshes me. Galations 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” and ask God for strength, patience, His love for the hurting and wisdom on how to be of service.

  3. Loving these devotionals! I think today’s message highlights the importance of faithfulness despite circumstances. Many people are reading through Job in their yearly Bible reading at this time- love that the Bible reiterates things like this. Regardless of our circumstances, if we are faithful and obedient, we can know that God will sustain us. My personal preference is typically to be liked or to be comfortable, but God has called me to faithfulness first, and that eternal reward is certainly worth any temporary discomfort.
    Grateful to be going through this with you all!

    1. Yes, the faithfulness of God should always guides our actions, even when we face difficulty times abd situations.. the devotional today helps me u derstand this christian life is not all wYs going to be a smooth one but we must continue to build and encourage the chur h.

  4. Thank you Linda for your comments today… Along with today’s passage, your words have provided perspective and encouragement…

  5. I learnt in this chapter that our first priority must be the Word of God before serving tables. This looks like what happened to Mary and Martha. Mary choose to feed on the Word of God more than serving tables like Martha did. Even though serving tables is part of the good works of the Kingdom but we must not be distracted. Jesus told Martha that HIS Word is needful, more important and it will not be taken away from Mary.

    I observed that as much as we love to serve others at church, our neighbors or the on mission field, we must start from the place of intimacy ( our Secret Place) with Jesus ( Studying HIS Word and praying daily) because at the End of our journey here on earth, our service is not what will qualify us to finish well but our relationship with HIM.

    Also I learned that when we do the work of God with all our hearts and strength in spirit and in truth, we become a threat to the kingdom of darkness. I believe that was what happened to brother Stephen, a man that is full of faith and of the HolySpirit. Doing good works, and yet depicted as a bad person. Jesus said in the book of Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
    To me I strongly believe as Christians we need the help of Holy Spirit in this journey in order to finish the race well and Strong. There is negotiation or argument about it.

    Let us continue to pray for fresh baptism of Holy Spirit. FATHER we ask for the outpouring of your Spirit into and upon your Church and our homes in Jesus Mighty Name…🙏

    1. Thank you taking the time to write this thoughtful response. I was blessed by reading this and reminded of how important it is to have a relationship with God first above all things . I think when we do the other requirements come that much easier.

  6. There is no negotiation or argument about that…

    Thank you so much Toluwani for your daily comments… Such an inspiration and encouragement…

  7. Today’s scripture reminds me that even in todays church we must remained focused on truth and the sharing of the gospel, we should not focus on religiousness of of our faith, but the relationship and focus on Jesus. We will all face attacks for being true to our faith, in todays cancel culture we are seeing that holding people accountable or sharing our own beliefs means being called out, We are called to love one another and in love you hold those you love accountable and share truth. I pray for the modern church to remain steadfast in being fully engaged in the Word of God. I am grateful for a church, and for our church leaders that remind us to focus on Scripture and not to follow culture.

  8. As Believers we should have a “Servant’s Heart”. Jesus came to SERVE and we should model our lives by His example. I love that our church has so many ministries for SERVING OTHERS. Sharing the Gospel and Serving others brings BLESSINGS to those being “SERVED” and those that are “ SERVING”🙏🏾❤️

  9. Our Night of Prayer (Wed) focused on the favor of God. For whatever reason everything I have read this week comes back to a church or a person who experienced God’s favor. Positioning yourself for it requires traits Stephen had – one of them is: faithfulness regardless of the circumstances. May I be like Stephen! PS 84:11

  10. We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Remain faithful to him. 🙏🏾❤️

  11. One of my favorite verses from today’s reading is verse 10; it reminds of the verse in Isaiah 54:17 which says ”No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will refute any accusation raised against you in court…” Even though it seemed as if Stephen lost the battle and the enemy experienced a “win,” Stephen’s life and death provided an example for us all to live a fruitful and faithful life.

  12. I love being part of a church like Champion Forest. It’s living church with so many opportunities to serve. As we serve we must also remember our own hearts and time with God. It’s not always about just doing. We have to have that servant’s heart AND remember to keep our time w/ God. And yes obstacles will arise but we have to press through.

    Reading about Stephen makes me sad and aggravated. First of all the Sanhedrin was supposed to be like the a supreme court body but here they are acting like thugs in a lynch mob. Did they even have the authority to stone Stephen. I know it was hard for these guys back in the day, yet everywhere they went they told about Jesus 🙌🏾. It’s a great example for us today. No matter what we face, continue to press forward spreading the Word of God. We have great examples in these stories.

    Thank You. ☺️🙏🏾♥️

  13. Bless our church to be faithful servants
    The path is narrow and often difficult. May the Holy Spirit uplift me in God’s work today

  14. May we be engaged Christ-followers.

    May we engage in hiding the word in our hearts.

    May we be engaged being the hands and feet for Jesus Christ here and now.

    May Jesus Christ shine through our words and actions.

    And may we never give up nor give in.

  15. Love the devotionals bringing the CFBC family together in prayer, studying the word, praise & worship, being of one mind to know, grow, go/serve & advance God’s kingdom!

  16. Stephen inspired me when I first came to faith! He knew that His life was not his own, but God’s! “Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and that glorifies your Father in Heaven. SHINE!

  17. I always tell people that CFBC has enough opportunities to serve that there’s no reason for them not to serve. It’s our responsibility, to others and to Christ, to serve, just as Christ came to serve.

  18. So many opportunities to serve others and show the love of God. God leads me to more people each day who don’t know anything about Jesus. Doing things for them and being kind…in eord and deed…allows me to tell them about the ultimate example of love.

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