Page 83 - acts_study_book1

Before this time, the number of the disciples was multiplied (verse 1). Now the disciples
multiplied greatly because the Word of God increased. When the church leadership is given the
freedom to give more of their time to prayer and the ministry of the Word of God, the Word is
able to increase. It is a simple progression. When dedicated members of the church (disciples)
given themselves to helping the work of the ministry, the pastor is free to give himself in a
greater way to prayer and preparation of the Word. The result is an even greater number of

disciples arising and multiplying. Those disciples then go out and preach the Word, and the
most difficult cases, the religious people, are won to the Lord. Those who witness to the
religious crowd are not the pastor and church staff; they are the people of the congregation.
One of those deacons who witnessed to the religious crowd was Stephen. He would soon give
his life for the gospel.

THE ARREST OF STEPHEN (8-15)

Stephen, one out of the seven men selected to be a deacon, eventually teaches the Word with
signs and wonders following. Stephen operates in the wisdom of God, and the religious leaders
of the time cannot dispute his wisdom, so they bring false witnesses against him and had him
arrested.

DISPUTE AGAINST STEPHEN

Act 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the
people.

And Stephen, full of faith and power (dunamis: inherent power), did great wonders and
miracles (semeion: signs) among the people.

Stephen is one who listened to the Word taught in the church. Because of this, faith came, and
the power of the Holy Spirit is a result. Stephen witnesses in the city of Jerusalem and signs and

wonders follow his teaching ministry, which causes an uproar among the religious leaders.

Act 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the
Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with
Stephen.

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines
(liberated slaves), and Cyrenians (a Greek trade center of North Africa) and Alexandrians (Jews

from Alexandria), and of them of Cilicia (a city of Asia minor), and of Asia, disputing with
Stephen.