Acts 6: Will You Obey God’s Word?
Verse of the Day: (V7) “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

1. Widows (V1-4)
V1 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”

As a result of the murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected, the 12 apostles appointed 7 men or deacons to take care of the widows’ needs. They knew that they must continue in prayers and preaching of God’s word, while the deacons took care of the widows. Today, we have pastors who will continue in prayers and preaching of God’s word, while the deacons take care of the church administration.

V4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
 
2. Word (V5-8)
V5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”

When the apostles appointed 7 deacons to take care of the widows’ needs, they had time to pray and preach God’s word, and many people in Jerusalem believed and received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, and the church grew in spirituality and number.

V7 “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

3. Witnesses (V9-15)
V9 “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Though Stephen, one of the 7 deacons, obeyed God and His word, yet the false religious leaders purposely disputed with him, and even framed him. They were never for God and His word, but only for themselves. Hence when they realised that their so-called spiritual power and influence with the people had greatly declined, they plotted Stephen’s death.

V13 “And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always obey Your Word now and forever.