Personal study: The numbers on the left side are
verse numbers.
Last session we saw the early church facing threats
from within (false members) and without (enemies of Christ). Which do
you think is worse?
Read 6:1-7 The Church Organizes for Ministry
What problems/challenges would you expect in a fast
growing church?
Note: Widows who had no family turned to their church
for support. In what ways is your church a support system (like a
family) to its members.
What was their problems and their solution?
From vs. 2 & 4, how did the Twelve view their ministry?
What new ministry was formed?
They basically asked these 7 men to distribute food,
but what criteria for selection did they use?
Note that all 7 men have Greek sounding names! Why?
According to v. 6, how was this new church authority
transmitted to the Deacons?
Note v. 7 (one of Luke’s summary statements). Compare
with 12:24
Chapters 6:8-15, 7 & 8 feature what two Deacons?
What were they noted for doing….distributing food to
widows?
What is similar to Stephen’s situation in 6:8-15
compared with Christ’s conflict with the Sanhedrin in Matthew
26:59-60.
In 8:13-14, the Sanhedrin was particularly incensed at
what 2 offenses (also similar to Christ)?
8:14 Indeed, what Jewish traditions were changed by
Christ and the Church? Were the main doctrines of the Old Testament
changed?
8:15 They were "stirred up," but what was Stephen’s
demeanor? Why?
