Sermon Cloud

As the church grew in numbers and diversity, its daily needs increased, as well. Acts 6:1ff marks a transition in leadership and location, where the apostles appoint seven, Spirit-filled servants to care for the daily needs of the church (e.g., food for widows). These servants were not merely tasked with administrative details, but also preached inspired sermons. Stephen's message, in fact, is an indicting message. He exposes the idolatry of his Jewish opponents and shows mastery of the OT Scriptures. His awareness that Jesus fulfills all that God intended in the OT story leads to his martyrdom and subsequent persecution that disperses the church. As the church goes beyond Jerusalem, she fulfills Jesus' mandate in Acts 1:8 to be a witness in Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Stephens example (and the other so-called 'deacons') provides a model of Spirit-filled service that expands God's reach.