Snoopy Approaches Acts

[Mendalla]

Interesting that the job of food distribution was seen to require Spirit and wisdom. In other words, the twelve were not looking for just any warm body to do the task.

I can see a couple reasons for that.

First, Spirit and wisdom would imply people who are committed to doing the task and doing it well, that is distributing the food (for some bizarre reason, I typed "phone" there originally ) where it is needed in the best way possible.

Second, I imagine that while they were focusing on the practicalities of food distribution, the Apostles realized that providing spiritual aid and nurture to those receiving the food would be part of deacons' task, too. So the wisdom to recognize needs and the Spirit to guide them in ministering to those needs.

 

[unsafe]

so in today's Scripture ---the apostles are Preaching and Teaching effectively as they are adding to God's Kingdom ----

W see here --the first complaint arising --conflict and division amongst the Church body ---this complaint was made by the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the native Hebrews---

The Hellenistic Jews complaint was that in their minds their Widows were not being properly fed daily and cared for by their Hebrew Jewish Brothers and Sisters ----

So although Satan is not mentioned here by name ----it is Satan's job to create Conflict and Division amongst believers ----his mission is to divide and conquer the victory from happening -----Peter mentions Satan in Acts 5 in dealing with Ananias and his wife Sapphira

So the Apostles try now to fix this first division and conflict that has arisen amongst the Disciples --and they Succeed ----Satan's tactics were eliminated ------

So they call the Disciples together and they agree that it is not right them to ignore preaching and teaching God's word to go around and serve tables and food ----

This verse is so important ---for today -----the first Deacons in the Church are now being formed ----but take Note :here ----as to the status of these picked Deacons ------

AMP B
3 Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

I say
This should be the same today --Folks ---but we know it is not ----all Deacons in a Church should have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and have God's wisdom in them -----same s the People Ministering to Others ---and today we see none of that in most Churches ----the Ministers and Deacons are of this world ---the Spiritually Blind serving the Spiritually blind -today -----thinking that helping the poor is enough to be in God's favor ----

This is the downfall of the Churches today in my opinion

The disciples say they will continue to pray and preach the Word ---all were in agreement to what was decided and the 7 men were picked ----
In verse 7 we see the Apostles after Praying -----laying hands on the 7 to dedicate and commission them for service ---

I say ------I think this is where the Seminary Schools got the idea of the laying on of hands was done for a Minister to be Ordained into the Ministry -----

But here is the Difference ---the laying on of hands HERE ---Is done to Holy Spirit indwelled Men ----By the Apostles-- who were not just indwelled by the Holy Spirit but were Filled with the Holy Spirit to preform God's work -----these Apostles had power in their laying on of hands ----

The laying of of hand today for Ministers to be Ordained is just a show of symbolism ----in my view ---there is no power in Humans hands to commission a Minister to service ----only the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has that power ----

Verse 7 -----speaks for itself ----the Church is growing ----and there is obedience to the Faith and many are becoming Born Again in Spirit ---Receiving Jesus as their Lord and Saviour ----who is the only source to receive eternal life -------

I think the Churches today need to read these verses and take heed to what it is saying --my view here

 

[paradox3]

Acts 6: 8-15

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 6:8-15 - New English Translation

Stephen is Arrested - Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. But some men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, as well as some from Cilicia and the province of Asia, stood up and...

www.biblegateway.com

Stephen, full of grace and power, has been performing miraculous signs.

But some are arguing with him. They feel his wisdom and Spirit but plot against him. They incite the people, the elders and the experts in the law by claiming Stephen speaks blasphemy against Moses and God.

Stephen is brought before the council. False witnesses claim that Jesus will destroy the temple and change the customs Moses handed down.

All in the council see Stephen's face shining like an angel.

 

[paradox3]

Echoes of the Transfiguration?

Foreshadowing of the future?

The story of Stephen seems to be a very significant one but it has never really registered with me. I must have heard it before. Isn't this St Stephen of the Stephen ministries?

 

[unsafe]

Now in verse 1 of today's Scripture ---we see that Stephen is full of God's grace (which comes trough God's Faith )-----so Stephen was full of Faith and he walked in God's Grace and had power to preform God's work and do Miracles---like the other Apostles ----so Stephen just doesn't have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit --he is Filled with the Holy Spirit ----

I say ------When we live in God's Faith we walk in God's Grace ----the Righteous shall live by Faith

Hebrews 10:38 ESV

but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

​

​We see in verse 9 that some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen rose up and questioned and argued with Stephen

I say ------So who are these Freedmen who had their own Synagogue ---there is a debate going on about who these people were -----

You can read here if interested

What was the Synagogue of the Freedmen in Acts 6? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Synagogue of the Freedmen in Acts 6? Why did men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen argue with Stephen?

www.gotquestions.org

Verse 10 ---we see Stephen baffling these men as he spoke with Wisdom --Power --Intelligence and Inspiration --that came by way of the Holy Spirit ---and they were unable to stand against him -----

So they had to come up with another Plan ----these men were schemers and defrauders ----they were under Satan's influence ---Again Satan name is not listed here Folks -----but Satan's Job is ---to dismantle God's plan --and cause chaos and division in the Church -----

They recruited their own little army of men and got them to bear false witness against Stephen ----breaking the 9th Commandment ----naughty group making people commit Sin ---


Bearing False Witness Here in verse 11 AMP B

11 Then [to attack him another way] they secretly instructed men to say, “We have heard this man [Stephen] speak blasphemous (slanderous, sacrilegious, abusive) words against Moses and against God.”

I say ---so they couldn't attack Stephen Fairly so they had to get others on their side to discredit them ---so some of the people who were for the Apostles are now joining the cause to stop him ---

This is important here in my view --as it shows how easily people can be persuaded in their hearts to shape the vision or focus of the Church in a bad way -----all it takes is a few people who say they are Christians but can turn quickly if persuaded to do so by someone who is wanting to disrupt and cause chaos --

So now they Arrest Stephen ----and bring him before the Council and they bear False witness against him ----Telling the Council lies and being deceitful in their Motive ---

Verses 13-14 AMP
“This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law [of Moses]; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down this place and will change the traditions and customs which Moses handed down to us.”

Last Verse here is Important ----as it shows the true Reflection of one who can totally trust God and know that God is with them no matter who or what is against them -----

15 Then all those who were sitting in the Council, stared [intently] at him, and they saw that Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel.

My View ----So Stephen's face to me being like and Angel would have reflected ----that peace beyond all human understanding ---he showed no anxiety or fear as they lied and plotted against him -----he showed great confidence and trust in God who he knew was with him in this ordeal ----He had God in him and he knew and totally believed and trusted that Jesus would not forsake him -----

He had the Glory glow on his face --just like Moses had when he came down from Mount Sinai ----

This must have had these people very perplexed in their thinking ---seeing this man so unafraid --sitting so calm and peaceful as they charge him by their devious plot of lies and deception ---


The regular Joe Blow under their Devious Attack and knowing that they could be Stoned to dearth would be pooping in their pants ---I would think

 

[paradox3]

Thanks @unsafe. I was wondering about the Synagogue of the Freedmen.

 

[unsafe]

Thanks @unsafe. I was wondering about the Synagogue of the Freedmen

Ya --I was wondering about these guys to -----so now we are a little more enlightened about who they are -----I have read the Book of Acts many times but never was inspired I guess to find out who they were ---but today I had the urge to find out about this group -----

 

[Waterfall]

Ya --I was wondering about these guys to -----so now we are a little more enlightened about who they are -----I have read the Book of Acts many times but never was inspired I guess to find out who they were ---but today I had the urge to find out about this group -----

Interesting that Paul of Tarsus may have been a member of the Synagogue of Freedmen....but not every scholar seems to agree.

 

[paradox3]

Acts 7

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 7 - New English Translation

Stephen’s Defense Before the Council - Then the high priest said, “Are these things true?” So he replied, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our forefather Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your country...

www.biblegateway.com

This chapter contains Stephen's long discourse to the council. He describes Israel's history with God and closely parallels the Hebrew Scriptures.

He accuses the council of resisting the Holy Spirit. He says they received the law from angels but did not obey it.

The council members are furious.

Stephen has a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. But he is driven out of the city and stoned to death. Stephen prays to God to receive his spirit and asks for forgiveness for his persecutors.

Witnesses lay their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.

 

[paradox3]

Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr. As he dies, he utters almost the same words used by Jesus in Luke's gospel. (Luke 6: 34, 46)

The cloaks on the ground at Saul's feet remind me of Palm Sunday. But commentators suggest this alerts us to Saul's involvement in the stoning of Stephen.

Could carry both meanings, right?

 

[unsafe]

So in today's Scripture ---Steven is asked if what he said in Acts 6 is true ----Stephen then replies ---and gives them a Jewish History lesson ----

So in my mind Stephen is not trying to Defend himself to be Acquitted --he is trying to explain to them the Truth about Jesus in some way for them to understand ----and he goes back to Abraham so they get the full picture -----

I think AI gives us a breakdown of what Stephen is saying here -----which is better than I can do ----

AI Overview


Acts chapter 7 presents Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, a lengthy speech summarizing Israel's history and highlighting their pattern of rejecting God's messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus. Stephen emphasizes that God is not confined to the Temple or any specific location, and that true worship is spiritual, not tied to physical structures. Ultimately, his speech provokes the council to violence, leading to his stoning and martyrdom.

Key themes and verses within Acts 7:

• Abraham's call and the promise (verses 2-8):
  Stephen begins by recounting God's promise to Abraham and the covenant of circumcision, highlighting the long history of God's grace before the law was given.
  
  
• Joseph and the Israelites in Egypt (verses 9-16):
  He then discusses Joseph and the Israelites' time in Egypt, emphasizing how God was with them even in a foreign land, and how their descendants eventually left Egypt.
  
  
• Moses and the exodus (verses 17-43):
  Stephen focuses on Moses, highlighting his role as a deliverer and lawgiver, but also noting the Israelites' rejection of him in the wilderness and their idolatry.
  
  
• The Tabernacle and the Temple (verses 44-50):
  Stephen connects the Tabernacle (built according to God's instructions) to the Temple, asserting that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands, and that true worship is spiritual.
  
  
• Rejection of God's messengers (verses 35-52):
  Stephen emphasizes the recurring pattern of Israel's rejection of those God sent to them, including Moses, the prophets, and finally, Jesus.
  
  
• Stephen's vision and martyrdom (verses 54-60):
  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen sees Jesus at the right hand of God, and his speech provokes the council to violence, leading to his stoning. Stephen's final words are a prayer for forgiveness for his persecutors, mirroring Jesus's prayer on the cross.

This is interesting to ----AI gives Commentary Highlights on this Chapter

Commentary highlights:

• Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
  Notes that Stephen's speech is not a random narrative but a carefully constructed argument demonstrating that God's promises are fulfilled in Christ.
  
  
• Enduring Word:
  Highlights the themes of God's glory, grace, and mercy, and the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises.
  
  
• StudyLight.org:
  Emphasizes the connection between the Old Testament stories and the person and work of Jesus Christ.
  
  
• Precept Austin:
  Focuses on the historical and legal context of the Sanhedrin and their procedures in handling Stephen's case.
  
  
• Working Preacher:
  Explores the significance of Stephen's final words, particularly his prayer for forgiveness, as a model for believers.

I say
For me Stephen was a man who showed He was a True Christian --filled with the Holy Spirit throughout his being ----who totally trusted and relies on God and who had Christ's Faith deeply Rooted and Grounded in him ----He faced his adversaries fearlessly and with total courage --praying for their forgiveness --- and never wavered from his dilemma or demise ----He faced death knowing and Believing that his Body would sleep and his Soul and Spirit would be with God ---

He was Christianity's first martyr ---setting the example of what a true Christian Character is like -----always ready to stand up and preach the Truth no matter who or what comes against you --always trusting in God to be at your side when things are tough knowing that He never leaves you or Forsakes you in your time of Trouble and in your death ----

Stephen was a True Christian Hero ------who died with Joy in his Heart for His Faith in Christ Jesus -----

I am sure he got his 5 crowns and more when he went in front of God -------

 

[paradox3]

I see Stephen as very Christ-like.

 

[unsafe]

I see Stephen as very Christ-like.

He was Truly Christ -like in my view as well -----

 

[paradox3]

Acts 8: 1-8

Acts 8:1-8 N - - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com

Saul, agreeing with the killing of Stephen, begins to persecute the church in Jerusalem. All, except the Apostles, are forced to flee. They scatter throughout the regions of Samaria and Judea.

Some devout men bury Stephen and make lamentation over him.

Philip (deacon) preaches in the main city of Samaria. He proclaims Christ and the crowds pay attention. The people witness the miraculous signs Stephen performs.

Many lame and paralyzed individuals are healed. Unclean spirits come out with loud shrieks.

There is great joy in that city.

 

[paradox3]

Jerusalem is becoming decidedly unsafe for the believers.

The text tells us "all" are forced to flee but clearly some remain along with the apostles. Saul is hauling them out of their houses and putting them in prison.

And some devout men bury Stephen and lament over him. Who were these devout men, I wonder? They were likely putting themselves in danger.

The study notes for this chapter indicate the Sanhedrin prohibited lamentation over those who had been stoned to death.

 

[Waterfall]

And here we are, 2,000 years later, still suppressing the "woke" people of the world unable to recognize the love that may come out of it.
A good message from Stephen seems to have created great fear from those who won't at least listen for understanding.
Is martyrdom necessary for great change?

 

[paradox3]

Excellent question about martyrdom @Waterfall

Yes, what made Stephen's message so threatening to the Sanhedrin?

And here we are 2,000 years later, not facing persecution in this part of the world. But we face apathy about our faith and the forces of secularization.

 

[unsafe]

So we see in the beginning of Act 8 that the stoning of Stephen brought on great chaos uproar --persecution and the scattering of the Church from Jerusalem ----

Stephen's Death opened the flood gates for the persecution of the Church -----And Saul is in the thick of it ------

verse 3 AMP
3 But Saul began ravaging the church [and assaulting believers]; entering house after house and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison

The Scattering of the Church can be seen as a good thing in my view -----as they carry God's word with them and can spread the Gospel wherever they go ---was this -In God's plan for this to happen ???????

It tells us the Apostles stayed in Jerusalem ----

So ----my view on this -------they did not get scared off as the others did ---this Shows their Christ-like Character ----they Trusted God greatly and Christ;s Faith was deeply rooted and grounded in them and as leaders of the Christ's Church they were staying put to continue their work building the Church in Jerusalem -----

Now we see in verse 2 that Some men devoted men buried Stephen and were morning his death ---
The Scripture doesn't tells us who the men were ----so we can only speculate---

This is from Bible Hub commentary ---gives us a couple of ideas

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. and devout men—pious Jews, probably, impressed with admiration for Stephen and secretly inclined to Christianity, but not yet openly declared.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible
And devout men - Religious men. The word used here does not imply of necessity that they were Christians. There might have been Jews who did not approve of the popular tumult, and the murder of Stephen, who gave him a decent burial.

And here we have in verse 4 -AMP----the scattered preaching God's word ----

4 Now those [believers] who had been scattered went from place to place preaching the word [the good news of salvation through Christ].

So this tells us that this scattering was indeed in God's plan ----I say --to carry His word to more places

God knew all along that Stephen's death would cause the scattering ---persecution ---etc ---

So in Verse 5 -8----Philip is introduced -----he goes and preaches the Gospel in the city of Samaria and the crows gather and are paying attention to what Philip is saying and they see the signs and wonders he preforms -----

AI

Philip in Acts 8 was one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6. He is specifically identified as "Philip the deacon" and "Philip the evangelist" in the New Testament.

 

[paradox3]

Now that I think about it, it seems likely that those devout men were pious Jews.

 

[unsafe]

This is a good article by John Piper on How Signs and Wonders in Acts helped to bring many to Christ ----

Jesus said you believe because you see ----Blessed are those who believe without seeing

So preforming these sign's and wonders seems like it contradicts what Jesus is saying here

But does it really ------John Piper explains his view

Read if you wish

How Signs and Wonders Helped Add Multitudes to the Lord​

Message by
John Piper

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/how-signs-and-wonders-helped-add-multitudes-to-the-lord