Not-So-Quiet-Time: Acts 6
At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 10/12
Day 1: Verses 1-4
There was a complaint that the Greek widows were not being taken care of as well as the Jewish widows. The church had grown to include different backgrounds and different languages, and, as the church grew, new problems grew too. The apostles responded to this problem by commissioning Spirit-filled men to take charge of the food ministry. This was good for the widows. It was also good for the apostles because they could devote their time to what God called them to: prayer and Scripture. And, ultimately, this was good for the church because each leader was focused on the right tasks. What has God called you to do to serve the church?
Day 2: Verses 5-6
When these new deacons—or servants—were chosen, it pleased everyone. And the whole church took it seriously. They understood that taking care of those in need is essential for the church. And so they prayed for these new leaders. Pray for your church leaders today.
Day 3: Verse 7
Three things happen in this verse: 1) the Word of God increases, 2) the number of disciples multiply, 3) and many priests become obedient to the faith. In other words, more people are hearing and sharing Scripture, more people are responding in faith, and those who know the Word best see that it is all about Jesus. Keep reading. Keep sharing. Keep praying. God is faithful to work.
Day 4: Verses 8-10
Stephen was one of the deacons—servants—chosen at the start of this chapter. He was helping to feed widows, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t also called to teach and help the church in other ways. And as he worked, a particular group opposed him and his message. But they couldn’t find fault with what he was saying. Why? Because of the Spirit. Ask God to empower you by his Spirit, so that like Stephen, you can share the Word of God in the midst of other important activities in your life.
Day 5: Verses 11-15
Because Stephen’s opponents couldn’t counter what he was teaching, they had to lie. But God showed what was true. When they said Stephen spoke against Moses, God gave him a face that glowed like Moses’ face did when he experienced the presence of God. God sees and knows all the struggles we experience. And He responds. Take heart. He is with you too.
Catechism Connection: WSC 76-78
Sadly, the people who thought they were standing up for “Moses and God” (6:11) were doing that by breaking the Ninth Commandment that God had given Moses: don’t bear false witness. WSC 77 explains that this command “requires maintaining and promoting truth between one person and another, as well as maintaining and promoting our neighbor’s good name.” And it forbids falsely injuring our neighbor’s name (WSC 78). This means more than just telling the truth; it means speaking in the way that builds up and helps. Our words matter. Let’s use them to serve and care and teach, rather than to take and break.
Day 1: Verses 1-4
There was a complaint that the Greek widows were not being taken care of as well as the Jewish widows. The church had grown to include different backgrounds and different languages, and, as the church grew, new problems grew too. The apostles responded to this problem by commissioning Spirit-filled men to take charge of the food ministry. This was good for the widows. It was also good for the apostles because they could devote their time to what God called them to: prayer and Scripture. And, ultimately, this was good for the church because each leader was focused on the right tasks. What has God called you to do to serve the church?
Day 2: Verses 5-6
When these new deacons—or servants—were chosen, it pleased everyone. And the whole church took it seriously. They understood that taking care of those in need is essential for the church. And so they prayed for these new leaders. Pray for your church leaders today.
Day 3: Verse 7
Three things happen in this verse: 1) the Word of God increases, 2) the number of disciples multiply, 3) and many priests become obedient to the faith. In other words, more people are hearing and sharing Scripture, more people are responding in faith, and those who know the Word best see that it is all about Jesus. Keep reading. Keep sharing. Keep praying. God is faithful to work.
Day 4: Verses 8-10
Stephen was one of the deacons—servants—chosen at the start of this chapter. He was helping to feed widows, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t also called to teach and help the church in other ways. And as he worked, a particular group opposed him and his message. But they couldn’t find fault with what he was saying. Why? Because of the Spirit. Ask God to empower you by his Spirit, so that like Stephen, you can share the Word of God in the midst of other important activities in your life.
Day 5: Verses 11-15
Because Stephen’s opponents couldn’t counter what he was teaching, they had to lie. But God showed what was true. When they said Stephen spoke against Moses, God gave him a face that glowed like Moses’ face did when he experienced the presence of God. God sees and knows all the struggles we experience. And He responds. Take heart. He is with you too.
Catechism Connection: WSC 76-78
Sadly, the people who thought they were standing up for “Moses and God” (6:11) were doing that by breaking the Ninth Commandment that God had given Moses: don’t bear false witness. WSC 77 explains that this command “requires maintaining and promoting truth between one person and another, as well as maintaining and promoting our neighbor’s good name.” And it forbids falsely injuring our neighbor’s name (WSC 78). This means more than just telling the truth; it means speaking in the way that builds up and helps. Our words matter. Let’s use them to serve and care and teach, rather than to take and break.
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