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Paul's Conversion and the Seven Chosen to Serve

This lesson explores the time frame of Acts 6, Paul's conversion in Acts 9, and the selection of the seven to serve. It provides dates and background information on these events and highlights the resolution of conflicts within the early church. The lesson also discusses Stephen's accusations of blasphemy and the changing attitudes towards Christians.

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Paul's Conversion and the Seven Chosen to Serve

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Lesson 14 Acts, Chapter 6

  2. Time Frame (Acts 6) • Paul’s conversion (Acts 9) • A reference back to Lesson 3 reveals that we have placed the conversion of Paul to approximately 34 AD

  3. Summary of Dates (Apostolic Age - 1) Lesson 3, Slide 12 • Beginning of Church, (30 A.D.) Acts 1 & 2 reveal the church began the same year Jesus died. • Paul’s Conversion, (34 A.D.) We can set with reasonable certainty the date of Paul’s escape from Damascus to 37 A.D, (Coinciding with the death of Tiberias). Working backward 3 years in keeping with Galatians 1:17, we arrive at the date of 34 A.D. as the date of Paul’s conversion.

  4. Time Frame (Acts 6) • Paul’s conversion (Acts 9) • A reference back to Lesson 3 reveals that we have placed the conversion of Paul to approximately 34 AD • These events immediately precede the stoning of Stephen (7); the dispersion of the saints (8:1-4); and Paul’s subsequent conversion (9) • About 3 years have passed since the establishment of the church

  5. Seven Chosen to Serve (vs. 1-7) 1 • The complaint (1) • Levied by the Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews from outside Judea) • Note: Some Jews had not adopted Greek customs, and looked down upon the Hellenists as less spiritually minded • First indication of any strife in the early church (cf. Acts 4:32) “of one heart and one soul” • Was the complaint legitimate? Was it sinful to complain?

  6. Philippians 2:14; 1 Peter 4:9 Philippians 2:14, “Do all things without complaining and disputing” 1 Peter 4:9, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

  7. Seven Chosen to Serve (vs. 1-7) 2 • Provisions made for widows • Here there was a special need because of the inability of widows to care for themselves (cf. 9:41; 1 Timothy 5) • See Lesson 13 for discussion of the role and limitation of benevolent work in the local church • With such large numbers of disciples, it is not surprising that there might be an accidental oversight

  8. Seven Chosen to Serve (vs. 1-7) 3 • The Apostles took the lead in resolving the dispute (2) • Apparently, for the first 3 or 4 years, all twelve of the apostles remained in Jerusalem • Note: The work of benevolence is subservient to the important work of preaching the gospel of Christ (2-4) i.e. – Spiritual VS Physical • “serving tables” – distribution of food, or the monies needed for support

  9. Seven Chosen to Serve (vs. 1-7) 4 • Seven men appointed to do the work of “serving tables” (3,6) • Qualifications: good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom • Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas • Note comparison to the appointment of deacons and elders. 1) Inspiration sets qualifications; 2) Congregation chooses men; 3) Formal appointment made

  10. Seven Chosen to Serve (vs. 1-7) 5 • Resolution of the conflict (7) • Internal squabbles can impact the effectiveness of the local church in her work. • Conflict Resolved, effect… • Word of God spread • Number of the disciples greatly multiplied • Many conversions among the priests

  11. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy (vs. 8-15) 1 • The person and work of Stephen • Full of faith (Some texts read grace) and power. (“Faith” would indicate faithfulness, “grace” would refer to God’s favor, and “power” is seen in his performing miracles to confirm his teaching). • Performed miracles as did the apostles. Received such power through the laying on of the apostles’ hands (cf. 8:14-17).

  12. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy (vs. 8-15) 2 • The “Synagogue of the Freedmen” • The leaders of the synagogues were invariably Pharisees. So, a change in persecutors. (Of course, Paul was a Pharisee) • Significance of the term “freedmen” not known, but made up of Jews from Cilicia and Asia, as well as Cyrenians and Alexandrians. • They unsuccessfully contended with Stephen in his teaching

  13. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy (vs. 8-15) 3 • False accusations of Blasphemy • Synagogue leaders “secretly induced” false testimony. • The gospel in no way speaks against either Moses or God. • (Was Paul motivated in part by these false accusations?) • People (and elders, and scribes) stirred up, and seized Stephen to deliver him to the council.

  14. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy (vs. 8-15) 4 • The People changed in their demeanor toward Christians • The tide changed because of false testimony. (The people had a great respect for Moses) • Shows the fickle nature of large groups, and warns of the possibility of apostasy in large numbers. • Stephen was borught before the Sanhedrin

  15. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy (vs. 8-15) 5 • False witnesses spoke against Stephen (13-14) • Words can be twisted, and many did so. Jesus had warned of the destruction of Jerusalem… also of his own death and resurrection (3 days). • Stephen’s face “as the face of an angel” (15) • Whether recognized by Council, this an indication of Stephen’s righteousness

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