NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passages: Acts 6:1-15
Discussion questions:
- How have you had the opportunity to serve someone this week?
- What makes serving others such an effective tool for the kingdom of God?
- What opportunities exist for your church to serve your community?
Anthony served the best food in town. He also served the town. After years as kitchen manager, he knew nearly everyone, and everyone knew him. He referred to the café as his ministry. On his days off, he found ways to serve. An elderly lady needed her grass cut, so he volunteered. Soon he was also cutting four other yards. He considered it part of his ministry. Whenever people were in need, Anthony was there to help and pointed all praise to Christ. His service revealed Christ’s love through his love.
The early church had experienced explosive growth (see Acts 6:1). This included Hellenistic Jews. These Jews had their roots in other nations. They spoke Greek and practiced Greek culture, which set them apart from Hebraic Jews who were natives of Israel and spoke Hebrew. A problem arose when the Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food. The resulting complaint eventually reached the apostles. The Twelve, in an effort to remain focused on prayer and preaching, directed the congregation to select godly and reliable men from their number who could be entrusted with caring for the Hellenistic widows.
The church was united in supporting the apostles’ plan. The seven men they chose had Greek names. Since the complaint originated from Hellenistic believers, having Hellenistic leaders taking charge of the ministry was wise. Among the leaders chosen, only Stephen and Philip appear again in Acts. Yet, each of these men were filled with the Holy Spirit and endorsed by the church. The church’s unity had an impact on the community. The Word spread because the apostles were free to pursue their calling. In addition, people continued to accept the Gospel.
Stephen served the widows of the church, but he also spoke to those outside the congregation about Jesus. His witness drew the opposition of some Jews from the Freedmen’s Synagogue, a gathering of Hellenistic Jews who did not not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The Freedmen argued with Stephen, but they could not overcome his logic and reasoning. While Stephen relied on the Holy Spirit for guidance, the Freedmen relied on dishonesty and slander. They hired false witnesses to accuse Stephen of blasphemy and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. Still, God honored Stephen before his accusers and the judges.
Acts 6 reveals valuable truths for Christians today. Believers can partner with church leaders in meeting the needs of others. Doing this, serving alongside one another, only expands our influence and witness for Christ. We can trust God to provide what we need when we face opponents of the truth. Serving others leads to greater kingdom work!
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