Responding to God's Faithfulness

Saturday, September 26, 2015
Acts 6:7-15 KJV 

7 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. 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 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. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the Hellenists complained about the distribution of provision to their widows, the apostles charged the disciples to find seven spirit-filled men to serve all of the widows. What else was happening, in the early church, during this time? (v.7)
2) What was notable about Stephen? (v.8)
3) Who disputed with Stephen? (v.9)
4) What were those who were opposed to Stephen unable to resist? (v.10)
5) Why did people oppose Stephen and what did they do to stir up antagonism against him? (v.11-14) 
6) How did Stephen appear to the Jewish council? (v.15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have your motives and/or actions ever been questionned by others in your local church or among other religious leaders? If so, please briefly explain.

LIFE LESSONS
8) Those who follow Christ will face much opposition and even persecution.