In the early days of the church there were some challenges that were addressed as the church appointed deacons to serve - a position that we still use today and is still vital to a healthy church life. One of these was called Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian church, and his powerful sermon and unfortunate and early death in Acts 7 stands as a powerful witness of boldness and courage in the face of adversity.

<p>In the early days of the church there were some challenges that were addressed as the church appointed deacons to serve - a position that we still use today and is still vital to a healthy church life. One of these was called Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian church, and his powerful sermon and unfortunate and early death in Acts 7 stands as a powerful witness of boldness and courage in the face of adversity.</p>

Lineage Journey

Adam Ramdin

Pentecost to Patmos

01 Pentecost to Patmos

04 Peter: Delivered From Prison

02 The Stoning of Stephen

05 Antioch: And They Were Called Christians

06 Paul & Silas: Preaching in Philippi

07 Paul & Silas: The Work in Thessaloniki & Berea

03 Paul: The Road to Damascus

08 Paul: Ministry in Athens

09 Paul: Ministry in Corinth

10 Paul: Uproar in Ephesus

11 Paul: Before Felix & Agrippa

12 Paul: Shipwrecked On Malta

13 Paul: Arrest & Trial in Rome

14 Peter: Calling, Consecration & Crucifixion

15 John: The Beloved & Patmos

As the young Christian Church was forming and building its structure, some challenges arose, one of which was the overburdening of the work on the apostles. Inevitably, some believers were not getting the attention and service that they needed, and there was some early tension between the Grecian and Hebrew believers with the Grecian saying that their widows were being neglected. From a situation that could have splintered and torn the young church apart, came a form of structure and organization that strengthened it, providing us with functions and roles that we still have today. Rather than the Apostles having the responsibility to look after the poor, they could focus all their time to the ministry of the Word and prayer. In order to facilitate this, they chose seven men of Honest Report who were full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. These seven men were Philip Porrus, Nell Timon, far, far, Nicholas and Steven. These men were prayed over and after this division of the tasks. The Bible says in Acts chapter six that the word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied a situation that could have divided the church instead caused it to structure and strengthened. Of these, the most well known was Steven. Steven was the most gifted, and when he spoke, his adversaries could find no fault of them. Sok used a charge of blasphemy and brought him before the high priest. Here he had an opportunity to answer to his accusers and he was able to defend his fate. And in Acts, chapter seven is basically a transcript of what he said. He starts with Jewish history from the time of Moses to David Des Solomon, and comes all the way down to his day where he says that they killed the just one or the Messiah. It was at this point that his audience couldn't take it anymore. They had heard enough and despite not giving him a fair trial or there being any legal proceedings, he was taken out of the city. And Acts chapter seven says He was stoned to death. The first martyr of the Christian faith died a cruel and gruesome death with no trial at the hands of an angry mob. He died like many who came after him would with a peace in his heart and a love for his attackers. For his last words were a prayer to God where he asked him not to lay the charge of killing him on them. The Bible then says that he fell asleep. One of the clearest places in scripture where death is likened to sleep. In Acts chapter seven and verse 58, the Bible says that those who stoned Stephen laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. This seemingly small point is not written for no reason. The fact that Saul is mentioned is important cuz no doubt the image of Stephen dying with a peace and a calmness on his face was an image that he could not get out of his mind. Though the ministry of Stephen was probably not long from the time of his ordination until his death, the impact lived on because his martyrdom was witnessed by the man who had later on be converted a few chapters on in the Book of Acts. Imagine the scene when they meet in heaven. No doubt Stephen rejoicing because he died with a love for his attackers. The old adage that the blood of Christians is see to the gospel came true for him personally. May we have a love, a forbearance and a patience with or people, especially those who persecute us.

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Pentecost to Patmos

02 The Stoning of Stephen

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Other Teachings in Series

01 Pentecost to Patmos

04 Peter: Delivered From Prison

02 The Stoning of Stephen

05 Antioch: And They Were Called Christians

06 Paul & Silas: Preaching in Philippi

07 Paul & Silas: The Work in Thessaloniki & Berea

03 Paul: The Road to Damascus

08 Paul: Ministry in Athens

09 Paul: Ministry in Corinth

10 Paul: Uproar in Ephesus

11 Paul: Before Felix & Agrippa

12 Paul: Shipwrecked On Malta

13 Paul: Arrest & Trial in Rome

14 Peter: Calling, Consecration & Crucifixion

15 John: The Beloved & Patmos

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