Acts: The Church Afire Study 1 (Jill H)

By christinecoltmanWomen's Ministry

This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE

The book of Acts isn’t something that ‘we do’. It’s the story of Jesus continuing to work in us. The early church got it wrong sometimes, but they also got it right; they lived like Jesus. As we study Acts we’ll see people who lived out their lives in such a way that will illustrate what went well and not so well.
Start this study by reading Acts chapters 6 & 7

This young church is beginning to experience opposition and division; Acts 6-7 is an account of internal division in the church. The Hellenists, who were Greek-speaking, believed that their widows were being neglected by the local Hebrews in the church.

  1. How do the apostles handle this situation?

    Stephen is chosen as one of the seven servants to oversee the ministry of food service among Greek speaking members of the congregation.

  2. What do we learn about Stephen in Ch 6 v 1-8?

    Stephen lived his life and pursued Jesus in such a way that the Holy Spirit dwelt in him, giving Steven the strength and authority to do what he could not do on his own. Stephen exhibited Christ-like characteristics; walking like Jesus, up to the day he said the words, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit” as
    he was stoned and he cried out, “Do not hold this sin against them.”

    The following references give examples of how Stephen models Jesus:
    Acts 6.15 – Matthew 26.29
    Acts 6.13 – Mark 14.56
    Acts 6.14 – Matthew 26.61
    Acts 7.48 – Mark 14.58
    Acts 6.11 – Matthew 26.65
    Acts 7.60 – Matthew 27.50 & Luke 23.24
    In Acts 7.48-50 Stephen quoted Isaiah 66.1-2 to show the religious leaders that God is not limited to a structure made by man, but that God is near to all who call on him – most fully in Jesus Christ. In grace, the Holy Spirit has come to dwell in us, to seal us to Christ and lead us to truth.

  3. What does it mean to live and love like Jesus and are we living with the desire to be transformed by the Holy Spirit? (top tip: look at Acts 7.55-60)

    Take some time to pray and consider what you have learned from Stephen’s life that might lead you to praise God and call on him to draw near to you.