Week 8 | The Appointment of Deacons and the Ministry of Stephen

Big Idea: True greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others faithfully.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-15

Intro:

In a grand orchestra, all eyes often fall on the conductor, standing tall and commanding the stage with every movement of their baton. The audience applauds the sweeping crescendos and breathtaking harmonies, marveling at the apparent brilliance of the leader.

Yet, behind this spotlighted figure is a sea of talented musicians—each one playing their part, blending their sounds into the masterpiece. The conductor might guide, but it’s the ensemble that truly breathes life into the music.

Among these musicians, a flute player sits quietly in the back row, her silver instrument catching the light just faintly. Day after day, concert after concert, she plays her delicate melodies—soft and unassuming, but steady and essential.

After one performance, as the applause echoed through the concert hall, a young child approached her. His eyes were wide with curiosity as he asked, “Why don’t you play louder? You’re so far in the back—does anyone even hear you?”

The flute player paused, her face softening into a smile. Kneeling to meet his gaze, she answered, “When I play my part, it isn’t just about being heard. It’s about helping everyone else sound better. If I play too loudly, I overpower the violins or clash with the cellos. But when I play just right, my melody weaves into theirs, creating something far more beautiful than any one instrument alone could ever achieve. My music helps others shine, and that’s my favorite part.”

The child tilted his head, considering her words, then broke into a grin. “So, you’re like the secret ingredient!” he exclaimed. She laughed and nodded, “Exactly.”

The flute player’s role was small in appearance but vast in importance. Without her soft notes, the harmony would lack its ethereal beauty. Without the steady rhythm of the percussionist or the quiet hum of the bass, the music would falter.

Each instrument—whether bold like the trumpet or subdued like the flute—had its place, its purpose, and its power.

In life, much like in an orchestra, not everyone stands at the center of the stage or leads from the front. Some serve in the background, their contributions subtle yet vital. These are the ones who support the melody of others, creating a symphony of service, humility, and grace. Their quiet dedication reminds us that the most beautiful music often comes from those who understand that greatness is not about being seen but about helping others soar.

Tension:

What would the church look like if those who serve so faithfully behind the scenes suddenly stopped?

Imagine the greeters who welcome each person with a smile, the nursery workers who care for crying babies so parents can hear the Word, the tech team who ensures the sermon is heard, and the prayer warriors who intercede daily for the needs of others.

Without them, the church would feel hollow—programs would falter, relationships would weaken, and the mission would stumble. Their quiet faithfulness is the lifeblood of the church’s ministry.

And what would the church look like if those in leadership, those visible on the platform—the preachers, worship leaders, and teachers—never moved toward the people working quietly in the background?

Imagine a church where the pastor never acknowledges the unseen efforts of others, where leaders exist in a bubble, disconnected from those who serve. Such a church would fracture under the weight of pride and isolation.

Both the visible and invisible parts of the church body would suffer, leading to division, hurt, and ultimately, a failure to reflect Christ’s love.

Both scenarios—faithful servants stepping away and visible leaders neglecting those in the background—would lead to disaster. Both would cause pain and disrupt the mission God has called His people to. Yet, God has given us a better vision. He calls His church to unity, a unity where every role matters and every person is valued.

The mission of the Kingdom of God is not carried by one or two; it is carried by all, working together as one body with many parts, each playing a role uniquely designed by the Creator.

But serving isn’t always easy. Sometimes it leads to exhaustion, misunderstanding, or even persecution. Stephen’s life, as recorded in Acts, shows us this truth in vivid detail. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit, chosen to serve tables and meet practical needs, yet he boldly proclaimed the gospel even when it cost him his life.

Stephen’s faithfulness reminds us that service to God, whether in the spotlight or the shadows, often comes with sacrifice. He paid the ultimate price, yet he knew that his labor was not in vain because God saw, God cared, and God welcomed him home with open arms.

Even when serving feels thankless or when opposition arises, God calls His people to remain faithful. He sees every act of service, every unseen moment of labor, and every heart that sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom. And He cares deeply.

The church thrives when its people—both those up front and those in the background—work together in unity, humbly serving one another as they follow Christ. This is the beauty of the church as God intended it: a family of servants, all playing their part, all united in their love for Him and their mission to reflect His glory.

Big Idea:

True greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others faithfully.

Truth:

Here are some key themes I want us to keep in mind as we read through Acts 6:1-15

The Importance of Servant Leadership (vv. 1-7)

Highlight how the apostles prioritized prayer and preaching by appointing faithful leaders (the seven) to serve the community’s practical needs. This shows that serving others is a vital part of following Jesus.

God Equips Ordinary People (v. 5)

Emphasize how Stephen, “full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” was an ordinary man empowered by God to do extraordinary things.

Standing Firm in Faith Amid Opposition (vv. 8-10)

Stephen courageously proclaimed the gospel, even when faced with resistance.

The Power of Godly Character (vv. 15)

Stephen’s face shone with peace and confidence, reflecting Christ’s glory.

Read Acts 6:1-15

Acts 6:1–15 (ESV)

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Throughout the history of God’s people, there has always been a clear and pressing call to care for the vulnerable among them. This calling is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting God’s heart for those in need.

From the Old Testament to the New, God reveals His deep compassion for widows, orphans, foreigners, and all those marginalized by society. These groups, often overlooked or pushed to the bottom in large nations and empires, are not forgotten by God. Instead, they hold a special place in His care and concern.

In the Law given to Israel, God repeatedly commands His people to provide for the widow, the fatherless, and the foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:18-19, Isaiah 1:17).

His justice is not blind to the plight of the powerless but moves actively to defend them. In the New Testament, this theme continues, as James reminds the church that “pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).

Despite this call, history reveals how easy it is for nations and societies to neglect those who are most vulnerable. Economic growth, political ambition, and the complexities of large systems often leave the weak to slip through the cracks. These individuals frequently become the “least of these,” living in obscurity, poverty, or oppression.

Yet, God’s design for His people is countercultural: He calls the church to be different, to reflect His kingdom values, and to prioritize those the world forgets.

The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, took this mission seriously. They recognized the practical needs arising within their congregations and responded with intentionality and wisdom.

Acts 6 gives us a powerful example: when a group of widows was being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the apostles didn’t ignore the issue. Instead, they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit and devised a plan to meet the need. They appointed godly men—spiritually mature and full of wisdom—to oversee the fair distribution of resources, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or status, was cared for.

This action wasn’t merely administrative; it was deeply theological. The church’s response demonstrated that God’s love was active and visible through His people. By addressing practical needs, the church bore witness to the Gospel in both word and deed, showing that no one is beyond the care and compassion of Christ.

This example serves as a timeless blueprint for the church today. Empowered by the same Spirit, we are called to step into the gaps of our communities, ensuring that the vulnerable among us experience the tangible love of God through His people.

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

As God begins to work powerfully through the early church, dramatic changes ripple through the community, and the established religious leaders feel increasingly threatened.

Their hold on authority and tradition is challenged by the undeniable signs and wonders performed in Jesus’ name. Rather than embracing this movement of God, these leaders respond with hostility, attempting to suppress it by targeting those faithfully doing the work.

They lash out, not just with opposition, but with outright attacks on the individuals proclaiming the Gospel.

One such faithful servant is Stephen, a man described as being full of faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit. Stephen’s ministry, marked by miraculous signs and profound wisdom, attracts fierce opposition. The religious leaders, unable to refute the truth of his words, resort to false accusations, charging him with blasphemy against Moses and God. They drag him before the council, hoping to silence him and discredit his testimony.

Yet, in the midst of this confrontation, a remarkable and deeply ironic moment occurs. As Stephen stands accused of blaspheming Moses, God places a visible sign on his face—a sign reminiscent of Moses himself. Just as Moses’ face shone after spending time in the presence of God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35), Stephen’s face radiates with a divine glow, unmistakably reflecting the glory of God.

This is not a coincidence but a profound statement from God, declaring to all who witness it that Stephen, like Moses, has been in His presence.

This striking parallel serves as a divine vindication of Stephen’s ministry. The very man accused of dishonoring Moses is shown to share in the same intimate relationship with God that Moses experienced. It is a powerful reminder that God’s work transcends human accusations and opposition.

While the religious leaders seek to destroy what they cannot control, God continues to affirm and empower His servants, even in the face of persecution.

Stephen’s radiant face is not just a sign for those accusing him—it is a testimony to all believers. It reveals that those who walk closely with God carry His presence in ways that cannot be hidden, even in the face of hostility.

The story of Stephen reminds us that God is not limited by human resistance. He works through His people, making His glory known even in the darkest moments, and showing that His power and presence are with those who stand boldly for His truth.

Application

As we think about how this applies lets remember two main ideas. We should be moved by the word of God to action.

Serve Faithfully, Even When It Feels Small or Unseen

Conviction: Many teens may struggle with the desire for recognition or to be in the spotlight. Serving quietly, in ways that aren’t seen or celebrated by others, can feel unimportant or undervalued. Yet, the story of Stephen reminds us that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving faithfully, no matter how small the task may seem. Stephen was chosen to “wait tables,” a seemingly humble role, but his faithfulness in this led to God using him powerfully.

Practical Application: Challenge students to look for ways to serve others this week in unseen ways. It could be helping a younger sibling with homework, encouraging a classmate who seems down, or volunteering in their church in a behind-the-scenes role like cleaning or setting up chairs. Remind them that God sees their service and values it deeply, even if no one else notices.

Stand Firm in Faith, Even When It’s Hard

Conviction: Teens often face peer pressure or ridicule for their beliefs. Standing firm in their faith, like Stephen did, can feel daunting, especially when opposition arises. Stephen boldly proclaimed the gospel and reflected God’s glory, even when falsely accused and attacked. His life shows that being faithful to God might not always make us popular, but it’s always worth it.

Practical Application: Encourage teens to identify one area where they can take a bold step in their faith this week. It could be inviting a friend to youth group, standing up for someone being bullied, or sharing a Bible verse on social media. Remind them that God’s presence is with them, just as it was with Stephen, and He will strengthen them to stand firm, no matter the outcome.

Landing

As we come to the end of this message, let’s reflect on the example of Stephen and the powerful truth that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in faithfully serving others.

Stephen’s story reminds us that service isn’t about recognition or glory; it’s about humbly stepping into the roles God has prepared for us, whether those roles are big or small, visible or hidden. God sees your faithfulness, and He treasures it.

Think about the flute player in the orchestra. Her quiet, steady melodies brought beauty to the symphony, not by overpowering others but by supporting them. In the same way, your service—whether it’s helping a friend, working behind the scenes at church, or encouraging someone who’s struggling—has an eternal impact when done for the glory of God.

Who can you serve this week? How can you help the “music” of God’s kingdom shine brighter through your faithfulness?

But Stephen’s story doesn’t stop with service; it also challenges us to stand firm in our faith. When opposition comes, when you feel pressure to compromise or stay silent about your beliefs, remember Stephen’s boldness. He trusted God and remained faithful even in the face of hostility, knowing that God’s presence was with him.

Where is God calling you to stand firm? Maybe it’s speaking up for your faith, being kind when others are not, or showing courage in the face of peer pressure.

Remember this: God doesn’t leave you alone in your service or your stand. Just as Stephen’s face radiated God’s presence, you too carry His Spirit with you. When you serve others, you reflect Jesus. When you stand firm in your faith, you proclaim His truth. And when you do these things, you bring glory to the One who sees you, strengthens you, and ultimately rewards your faithfulness.

As we close, let’s ask God to help us embrace the call to serve faithfully and stand boldly.

Pray for eyes to see opportunities to serve others this week and for courage to stand firm when challenges come.

True greatness in the kingdom of God is found not in what we achieve for ourselves but in how we serve and stand for Him.

Pray