Stephen’s time to Shine — Exhibiting Angelic Characteristics in the midst of an Anti Christian mob
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
In the first several months after Pentecost, the church in Jerusalem faced a number of challenges.
The people met the challenge of public scorn with sound preaching.
They met the challenge of intimidation with prayers for boldness.
They met the challenge of hypocrisy with uncompromising integrity.
They met the challenge of persecution with rejoicing and continued faithfulness.
After three thousand members joined the disciples at Pentecost and five thousand more embraced Jesus as the Messiah in the temple—along with unknown numbers that came into the family of God daily throughout this time—the apostles faced one of the greatest challenges of all: success.
Elton Trueblood calls this early church an “incendiary fellowship.”
F.F. Bruce calls it the “spreading flame.”
This first-century phenomenon had no constitution, no organizational plan—nothing but the indwelling Holy Spirit to keep it cohesive and heading in the right direction.
While the church remained relatively small, this worked just fine. Eventually, however, the Jerusalem church encountered the perils that accompany rapid growth. — Chuck Swindoll
The Squabbling — (Vs. 1)
The Squabbling — (Vs. 1)
They are now referred to as disciples
(mathētēs) — Its fundamental meaning is one who seeks to learn from another. A disciple is not only a partaker of information, but also one who seeks to become like his or her teacher
They were before referred to as believers but now they are called disciples!
What was the last command Jesus left the disciples with?
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Go & Teach!
Not only were they now being referred to as disciples but notice what else is happening now!
The Church had now entered the phase of multiplication instead of addition!
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
As the Church began to multiply, the High Priest, Pharisees and Sadducees weren’t the only ones getting upset over the mighty move of God!
Satan was also at the end of his rope with the newfound Church of the first century.
He was doing everything he possibly could to keep the Church at bay but none of his schemes seemed to be working!
Here, we see again he tries to come at the Church by splitting it from the inside!
John Phillips — In the New Testament world there were Hellenist Jews and Hebrew Jews. The Hebrews were Aramaic-speaking and mostly native-born Palestinians; the Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews of the Dispersion, especially of the Greco-Roman world.
The Hebrews tended to be narrow and rigid, with few interests outside their own small world; the Hellenists were generally much more ready to recognize the better features of the great Gentile world beyond the confines of the Promised Land.
Tensions between Hebrews and Hellenists went back a long time, to the very beginnings of the Hellenist period, when the brilliant world of Greek thought and culture burst upon the Jews and threatened to destroy Judaism, both with its philosophy and by its persecution.
Chuck Swindoll — At this time the entire body of believers was Jewish, but they represented two groups from two very different backgrounds.
The “Hellenists” were no less Hebrew than the “Hebrews,” at least by birth and bloodline. While Jewish by birth, they had adopted many customs from their Gentile neighbors and assimilated into their local communities in many ways.
Many Hellenists rejected pagan religions, worshiped God exclusively, came to the temple for sacrifices and festivals, and generally obeyed the Law of Moses.
Even so, they dressed like Gentiles, socialized with Gentiles, and embraced the Roman government as their own. They were known as Hellenists because, like much of the Roman world, they had adopted Greek as their primary language.
The “Hebrews,” on the other hand, were more traditionally Jewish in their manner of life, dress, and customs. They obeyed the Law of Moses in the Pentateuch, and they followed the traditions of the rabbis.
The latter consisted of the strict, Pharisaic code of conduct that dictated every aspect of life: how they dressed, how they washed, what they ate, how they conducted business, what they touched, and with whom they socialized.
Whereas most Hellenists attempted to accommodate Greek culture without completely abandoning their Jewish identity, the Hebrews scrupulously insulated themselves from anything Gentile. They also tended to be very nationalistic. Consequently, they spoke colloquial Hebrew or Aramaic as much as possible and Greek only when necessary.
These two vastly different groups filled the church in Jerusalem and mingled quite well because of their common bond in Jesus Christ and their mutual filling of the Holy Spirit. Still, from a purely human perspective, friction was inevitable.
In those days, many destitute people joined the church. To care for their basic needs, the church, through the generosity of men like Barnabas (4:36–37), purchased food, prepared it, and served it in baskets or on tables to those in need. And no one needed more help than widows.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
The devil seen a divide, and he tried to exploit it in hopes that it would split the church altogether, and that this mighty move of God would be squashed in the process!
Once again though, he underestimates the power of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit and more than that, I think he discounted the desire of the people to serve God wholeheartedly!
You have to remember who we’re talking about here. He was one of the greatest angels in heaven before his prideful fall. Undoubtedly, he looks upon us humans as weaker vessels; as pawns that he can move at will.
What I don’t think he counted on, was the fact that we are vessels, and as vessels we are able to be filled, and when filled with Almighty God, there is nothing that can stand in our way!
If God be for us, who can be against us!
So, we see here a squabble take place in the church. Satan exploiting the nationalistic divide between the Greek speaking Jews, and the Hebrew speaking Jews.
And before we move on, let me just say this…anytime God is on the move, and the church begins to multiply, you better watch out for that old scammer, Satan, to be on the prowl as well!
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
I’ve heard it said many times, when God opens the doors of Heaven to bless us, Satan opens the gates of hell to blast us!
When God is on the move, you can rest, assured that Satan is also on the move, seeking to diminish the mighty move of God!
We’ve seen the squabble, now let’s see the solution.
The Solution & Suggestion — (Vs. 2-4)
The Solution & Suggestion — (Vs. 2-4)
John Phillips — There was no point in the apostles doing something anyone could do when they could do things no one else could do. It was not a question of position but of priorities. It was not that the apostles thought it beneath their dignity to run the errands of the church; it was simply a matter of putting first things first.
Serving tables was important, but the apostles sensibly decided that since they could not do everything, they would concentrate on what they had been called to do—minister the Word.
They suggested the people look among themselves for seven men to fill this role of overseeing the daily ministering of food and ensure that it is done fairly.
With that being said, there were some qualifications that the Apostles suggested these men have.
First off, they had to be a good man.
The KJV says…seek ye out seven men of honest report.
The NLT translates it… seek ye out seven men who are well respected.
These leaders couldn’t be just any fly-by-night believers. They needed to be upstanding men in the community.
They needed to be men whom the people on both sides of the isle looked at with respect and looked up to for learning.
They needed to be men whom the people held in high regard.
John Phillips — He had to be a man who commanded the love and respect of others because of his personal integrity and unblemished character, a man who avoided evil and who devoted himself to the well-being of others.
Not only did they need to be good men but they also needed to be Godly men.
The Bible goes on to say they needed to be men full of the Holy Ghost!
They not only needed to be men held in high regard by the people, but they also needed to be men who held God in high regard.
They needed to be men who were learned in the word of God, who followed the word of God, and lived out the word of God among the people!
They needed to be men whom others could see the light of Christ in.
And lastly, not only did they need to be good men; not only did they need to be Godly men; but they also needed to be gifted men.
Look what the Bible says there…
Acts 6:3 — Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
They needed to be wise men.
How do you think one gains wisdom?
The simplest answer is through experience.
Now, that’s not to say that God can’t instill wisdom in a man without experience, but majority of the time, wisdom comes through experience and dedication in a certain area.
The Apostles told the people to seek out men of honest report — they needed to be genuinely good men; men, who were full of the Holy Ghost — Godly men; and lastly, men who were gifted with wisdom.
In the qualifications of a Pastor, Paul told young Timothy, in…
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
And then just a few verses later when speaking on the qualifications of a deacon Paul said…
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Let them be, proved!
Let them be proved that they are men full of the Holy Ghost, men of good report, men, full of wisdom!
Let them be proved that they are good men; let them be proved that they are godly men; let them be proved that they are gifted men of wisdom!
As for us, we will continue to focus on what God has called us to do, and what’s most important… we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word.
It wasn’t that the Apostles thought themselves too good to minister food ensure it was being done correctly, rather for them, it was more about the obedience of the command that Christ had left them with.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
They felt it was their mission, their main priority, to study the word to ensure that it was being interpreted correctly, and then, delivering it to the people in such a way that they would grow spiritually!
I do want to stop here for just a second, and simply say, obedience is better than obligation.
It’s very easy, especially in a role such as mine, where you are the only pastor on staff and you feel like you have to do everything.
Those of you who know me best know that it’s very hard for me to ask others to help.
But over the years, it has become more clear to me than I can’t do everything, and that I am going to have to rely on others to serve tables if you will, if my main priority is going to be the study of God‘s word and the ministering to the people.
The apostles had their priorities in the right position and this was a job that anyone in the church with those certain qualifications could do.
After hearing the solution and the suggestion, the search committee went to work!
Look on down with me at the searching and the selection.
The Searching & Selection — (Vs. 5)
The Searching & Selection — (Vs. 5)
Chuck Swindoll — The congregation chose seven men, all with Greek names, suggesting a Greek orientation (6:5).
John Phillips — It is significant that all the deacons now chosen by the people had Hellenist names, the inference being that they were all Greek-speaking Jews. What a tremendous act of grace!
Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound!
I like to think of it like this…where Satan abounded, God did much more abound!
Where division abounded, unity much more abounded!
Where selfishness abounded, selflessness did much more abound!!
These are the sorts of things that happen when a Church of on fire for God!
The me, myself, and I mentality goes out the window, and it’s no longer about us as individuals, but it’s about us as a body of believers coming together as one, in one heart, in one mind, in one accord, with one goal in mind, and that is bringing glory to God in all that we do!
When the church of the living God gets this mindset and desire, anything that Satan can use to divide, will be overcome by the believers love for God and for one another!
The Hebrew speaking Jews said, “we in no way want you to feel that, like you are any less than we are; like you deserve anything less than we deserve. We are one body, with one goal in mind and that goal is bringing glory to God so we’re even ok with these men of leadership being Hellenistic Jews!”
“We just want to magnify the name of God!”
If only our churches had this same mindset today!
Could you imagine the movement of God, if we could just set aside some of our petty differences and magnify the Lord Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God, who died to take away the sins of the world!
Talk about earthshaking!
They chose them out seven men, Hellenistic Jews, and set them over the daily ministration.
First was Stephen. He was a man, full of faith and the Holy Ghost!
What greater testimony could a man have than this? A man full of faith and the Holy Ghost!
My prayer is that this same thing could be said of all of us men here today. No greater blessing can any of us receive than for these words to be said of us!
And then there was Phillip.
John Phillips — We often call Philip the deacon “Philip the evangelist.”
Indeed, these first two men illustrate Paul’s comment: “They that have used the office of a deacon [servant] well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 3:13).
Stephen became the first martyr of the church, and Philip became its first missionary.
Prochorus is not so well known. According to tradition, he became secretary of the apostle John, then bishop of Nicomedia and, ultimately, a martyr.
We know nothing of the next four, which illustrates the general principle that much of the work of God is carried on by unknown, unsung individuals who faithfully carry out the tasks entrusted to them, quite content to leave the limelight to others.
We see the searching in the selection, now let us move on to the supplication.
The Supplication & Commission — (Vs. 6)
The Supplication & Commission — (Vs. 6)
Once the congregation had chosen out the men they wanted to lead them in this area and this ministry, the apostles prayed over these men and laid hands on them.
Often times today when a man becomes a pastor or deacon, especially in our Baptist churches, he has what’s called an ordination service.
Other pastors and deacons will come together and question the man being presented to see what his beliefs are, and exactly what it is on which he stands and believes.
If they find his answers biblical and favorable, at the end they all gather around and lay hands on the man being presented and they will pray for him, as he sets out on his journey to do God‘s will and God‘s work.
I believe this was the first official Deacon ordination service that we see in the Bible.
We see the supplication and the Commission and next we see the sustaining of the Church.
The Sustaining of the Church — (Vs. 7)
The Sustaining of the Church — (Vs. 7)
I feel like something very important happens here that is very easily overlooked if we’re not careful.
Notice what increased first?
It was the Word of God!
The word of God began to spread; the planted seeds from preaching began to sprout; hardened hearts were made soft; stony hearts were turned to flesh; Ears heard and hearts received the Word of God and lives were changed forever!
As the Word of God increased, the number of disciples multiplied, and look now at what also is beginning to take place… Even the Priests were turning from Judaism to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
I want you to just imagine the scene for a moment. What started out as a handful of people gathering on Solomon‘s porch at the temple has now turned into massive crowds; thousands upon thousands of people coming together to worship God in one Spirit, and one accord the sounds of united prayer; the visions of multitudes of people believing upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and having to daily witness this mighty movement of God taking place in the very place that you serve!
After a while, it became more than they could bear!
Even a great number of priests turned to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
I love how the Bible says they were obedient to the faith!
God was convicting through the power of the Holy Spirit and day, after day, after day, it weighed up on their hearts and minds, until finally they had no other option but to be obedient to the moving of the Holy Spirit in their lives!
The Holy Spirit sustained the church against all the schemes that Satan could use against it and the church of the living God marched on!
Now, let’s finish it out by looking at Stephen’s situation.
The Situation of Stephen — (Vs. 8-14)
The Situation of Stephen — (Vs. 8-14)
Remember those qualities that we talked about earlier?
Stephen was a good man. He found favor in the sight of all the people.
He was a godly man — full of the Holy Ghost!
And he was a very gifted man!
The Bible says that he, through faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people!
Stephen was a man who walked hand-in-hand with God.
His relationship with his Lord was of utmost importance.
He loved Jesus with every ounce of his being.
He wanted to be obedient to the father in everything that he did.
And he followed the lead of the Holy Ghost wherever it led him!
Sadly, there were some Judaizers, who were not fans of the work that Stephen was doing.
The Bible tells us that they tried disputing with Stephen but once again, we see that the Holy Spirit prevailed over the work of Satan, and they could not overcome his wisdom.
Egos in check, pride deflated, the only option left for these Judaizers was to bring Stephen before the Sanhedrin council on trumped up charges of blasphemy.
Does that sound familiar?
So many things about the story of Stephen remind us about the story of our Lord.
False charges, unable to overcome his wisdom, hate spurned on by pride!
Even as we will see here in a week or two, the final words of Stephen mimic the final words of our Lord on the cross at Calvary.
The story of Stephen is such a beautiful reminder of the story of our savior, and the suffering that can come our way simply by being obedient to the call of God upon our lives.
The accusations have been brought, but Stephen’s rebuttal will be what really drives the council mad.
After their opening remarks, and the charges laid-bare against Stephen, something strange begins to happen as Stephen gets ready to deliver his rebuttal.
Look down with me at our last verse this morning. Verse 15.
The Shining of Stephen — (Vs. 15)
The Shining of Stephen — (Vs. 15)
To my knowledge, only one other time has something like this happened in the Bible.
When Moses returned from Mount Sinai, with the tablets of stone, whereupon the 10 Commandments were written, the Bible says that his face shone and the people were afraid to come near him.
Here, the Bible tells us that Stephen’s face was as the face of an angel!
Definitely not what the Sanhedrin council was expecting.
John Phillips — Having heard the indictment, the Sanhedrin turned to see how Stephen was reacting to the deadly charges. They saw the face of an angel.
As the face of Moses had shone with the light of another world when he came down from the mount, so now the face of Stephen shone. It was not hate they saw there, nor horror, but heaven.
The sight of that angelic face must have burned like a red-hot iron into the soul of Saul of Tarsus. That face, we cannot doubt, haunted him until he saw the face of Jesus, which thereafter filled his vision.
Closing
Closing
I find it only fitting that we started the chapter with the Church facing adversity, and we ended with one of the greatest Christians in history facing adversity individually.
I think there are some good lessons to be learned here…
The church of the living God will always face adversity of some sort. Satan will always be coming up with new schemes to try and railroad the church.
And number two, when those schemes against the church do not prevail corporately, he will utilize all the forces of hell that he has at his disposal to silence us individually, so as to scare the church into not advancing.
The lesson we must learn though is this… In the face of adversity, the church flourished and in the face of adversity, Stephen stood strong and allowed the light of his savior to shine through.
There will be times in this life when we find ourselves in adverse situations for our faith. When those times come, we must be like Stephen.
I want to show you something here that I feel is the deeper lesson for us to take with us today.
Look back at the very beginning of the chapter… The Bible says, “ in those days when the number of the disciples multiplied”.
There was an ever continuing desire of the believers in the first century Church to learn as much as they possibly could about their Savior, and what He did for them.
There was a desire to have a relationship with God, and to feel his power through the moving of the Holy Ghost among them.
There was a desire to follow God, and to stay in the will of God, no matter the cost.
There was a desire to fellowship with other believers.
There was a desire to step up with an attitude of humility and selflessness and serve the local church.
There was a desire to grow in their walk with God and this is clearly seen in the main character of our story today.
The devil would like to make the main character’s of our story the squabbling widows, but God made the main character of our story his servant, Stephen.
And the lesson that He wants us to take away from here today is this… Every single born again believer here today has the same opportunity to shine like Stephen shined, but in order to shine like Stephen, it takes some spending time in the presence of God!
Just as Moses face shined when he came down from Mount Sinai due to the fact that he had spent time in the presence of Almighty God, the face of Stephen was shining, because Stephen had been spending some time in the presence of Almighty God!
Stephen was a man full of faith and filled with the Holy Ghost because Stephen had a desire to serve God with his whole heart, and spend as much time as he possibly could in His presence when he wasn’t serving the Church.
The question that I leave you with today is this… How many of you wanna be like Stephen?
How many of you are willing to serve like Stephen?
How many of you are willing to spend as much time as it takes in the presence of Almighty God, in order that you, like Stephen, can shine as lights for our Savior to a lost and dying world?
This was Stephen’s time to shine but…but…today is our day! Today it’s our time to shine for our Savior!
Are you doing what you need to do this morning to ensure you’re walking as close to God as possible?
When was the last time you simply said, “God help me today to exalt you”?
When was the last time you said, “not my will Lord but thine be done in my life”?
When was the last time you set down and just simply said, “God I love you and I want to be nearer to you. Help me Father to learn of you and grow closer to you”?
It’s your time to shine this morning believer but you have to want to shine!
And if what our Savior did for us on that cross isn’t enough reason to cause you to want to shine more, then you don’t know the same Jesus I know and you need to be born again or you need to repent and rededicate your life to Christ!