Bible Study Snacks, Acts 6:1-15

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! I'd like to thank you for joining me again as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, we continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Six, Verses 1-15.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Note how the church in Jerusalem handled their internal problems.
2) Examine the process of selecting and appointing those who serve in the Lord's church.
3) Evaluate the charges that were brought against Stephen.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts, Chapter 6:1-15...

As the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied in number, it is not surprising to read of problems increasing as well. This chapter describes problems from within and without the congregation.

Hellenists (Jewish Christians who adopted Grecian culture) complained that the Hebrews (Jewish Christians who sought to preserve Jewish culture) neglected their widows in the daily distribution (cf. Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:34-35).

The apostles, desiring not to be distracted from their own work, summon the disciples and charge them to select seven men whom the apostles might appoint to take care of this responsibility.

Seven are selected by the people and appointed by the apostles through prayer and the laying on of hands. With the problem solved, the word of God spread and the number of disciples multiplied greatly, including the obedience of many priests.

Stephen, one of the seven, began doing many wonders and signs. Opposition arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen who disputed with Stephen. Unable to resist the Spirit and the wisdom of which he spoke, they resorted to false witnesses to stir up the people, elders, and scribes.

Brought before the council, Stephen was charged with blasphemy against the temple and the law of Moses. The chapter ends with the council looking at Stephen, seeing his face as the face of an angel.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What are the main points of this chapter? (Acts 6:1-7; Acts 6:8-15)
2) As the church in Jerusalem grew in number, who raised a complaint? Why? (Acts 6:1)
3) When the apostles summoned the disciples, what did they first say to them? (Acts 6:2)
4) What proposal did the apostles offer? (Acts 6:3)
5) What qualifications did the apostles lay down for the selection of the seven? (Acts 6:3)
6) What would this enable the apostles to do? (Acts 6:4)
7) What were the names of the seven men who were selected? What is unique about their names? (Acts 6:5)
8) How did the apostles appoint those whom the congregation selected? (Acts 6:6)
9) As the word of spread, what two things occurred? (Acts 6:7)
10) What did Stephen, one of the seven, do among the people? (Acts 6:8)
11) Who began to dispute with Stephen? (Acts 6:9)
12) What were they unable to do? (Acts 6:10)
13) What did they secretly induce men to say? (Acts 6:11)
14) What did they stir up the people, elders, and scribes to do? (Acts 6:12)
15) What did they set up false witnesses to say? (Acts 6:13-14)
16) As those in the council looked at Stephen, what did they see? (Acts 6:15)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri