Servant Leaders Arise: The First Deacons and Stephen's Spiritual Boldness

Acts 6 demonstrates the power of servant leadership in the early Church and the vital importance of wisdom in conflict resolution. It underscores the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit, evidenced in Stephen’s life, reminding believers of the spiritual resources available to them. Though Stephen faces false accusations, his demeanor radiates calm and trust, providing an example of spiritual boldness in the face of adversity.

Verses 1-7: Appointment of the Seven Deacons

As the early Church grows, a complaint arises from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews because their widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles decide to appoint seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to this task, so they can devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the word. The chosen seven, who become known as deacons, include Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increases rapidly.

Verses 8-15: Stephen's Wisdom and the False Charges Against Him

Stephen, full of grace and power, performs great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Some members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen argue with Stephen but cannot stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he speaks. They secretly persuade some men to falsely claim that Stephen speaks blasphemous words against Moses and God, leading to his arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin.

Acts 6 presents the early Church’s approach to internal conflict and the rise of its first servant leaders. Amidst a dispute between the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews, the apostles demonstrate wisdom by appointing deacons to manage the distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry. Stephen, one of the deacons, stands out for his wisdom and spiritual powers, which eventually lead to false accusations against him.

Servant leadership
Conflict resolution within the Church
Spiritual boldness and wisdom
Persecution and false accusationsAppointment of the seven deacons
The Hellenistic Jews' complaint
Stephen's wisdom and miraculous powers
The false charges against StephenThe Twelve Apostles
The Seven Deacons: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas
The Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews
Members of the Synagogue of the FreedmenJerusalem

1. What does the apostles' approach to resolving the complaint among the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews teach about conflict resolution within the Church?

2. How does the appointment of the seven deacons emphasize the importance of servant leadership in the Church?

3. In what ways does Stephen's wisdom and the miraculous signs he performs demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit?

4. How does Stephen's response to false accusations inspire your personal faith journey?

5. Why do you think the apostles believed it was important for them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word rather than distributing food?

6. How does Stephen's wisdom exceed human wisdom, and what implications does this have for your understanding of spiritual wisdom?

7. How can the principles of conflict resolution demonstrated in this chapter be applied to contemporary Church situations?

8. How does Stephen's courage in the face of opposition encourage believers facing similar situations today?

9. How should the appointment of the seven deacons influence the Church's approach to meeting the needs of its community?

10. What qualities made Stephen an effective servant leader in the early Church?

11. In what ways do the false accusations against Stephen underscore the risks of standing for one's faith?

12. How can the Church today ensure fair treatment and justice for all its members, as demonstrated in the apostles' response to the Hellenistic Jews' complaint?

13. How does Stephen's example inspire you to serve within your own church community?

14. What can we learn from the rapid growth of the Church following the appointment of the deacons?

15. How does the opposition to Stephen's ministry demonstrate the challenges faced by those boldly proclaiming the Gospel?

16. How does the early Church’s resolution of the widows’ neglect apply to resolving inequalities in the Church today?

17. In your life, how can you demonstrate the grace and power seen in Stephen?

18. How would you respond to false accusations about your faith, as Stephen did?

19. How does the principle of appointing deacons for practical service in the Church apply to the distribution of tasks and responsibilities in your community?

20. In what ways does the example of Stephen challenge you to display wisdom and spiritual boldness in your Christian journey?