Acts 6

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Appointment of Deacons, and Stephen, the First Christian Martyr

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Good churches need good deacons.

  2. Evil people use evil tactics.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember, there is one interpretation, but many applications.

QUESTIONS

  1. What problem arose in the early church?

  2. What should the attitude of the church be toward widows?

  3. What does the word “deacon” mean?

  4. Name the two distinct offices of church administration. How do they differ?

  5. List the three qualifications for good deacons.

ANSWERS

  1. The Hellenistic Christian Jews – that is the Greek-speaking Jews – complained that their widows were not being cared for as well as the native Hebrew widows.

  2. It is the responsibility of every church to care for widows in their body. The widows should meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 5.

  3. Deacon means “to serve.”

  4. Elders – the spiritual shepherds of the church (see 1 Timothy 3) Deacons – care for the temporal needs of the church

  5. They should be spiritual. They should be wise. They should have a good reputation.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the New Testament pattern for church administration. Why is it important for a church to have both elders and deacons? Does your church recognize these offices?

  2. Evil people use evil tactics. In the days of the early church and today, unbelievers who hate the gospel will do whatever it takes to suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Have you seen this occur? Praise the Lord that we have a just and victorious God, and one day every knee shall bow to Jesus Christ.

CHALLENGE

  1. Review the qualifications for deacons in Acts 2 and 1 Timothy 3. Does your character line up with these qualifications?

KEY VERSES

  • “Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts 6:3

  • “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7

  • “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8

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