Those who opposed Stephen’s ministry plotted against him, persuading others to say that Stephen had spoken blasphemous words against Moses and against God. Blasphemy was a serious charge and required eye-witnesses to prove the charge. The agitators recruited wider still, stirring up the people and the Jewish leaders against Stephen. Stephen was seized and brought before the Jewish leaders at the Sanhedrin. These events were consistent with the words of Jesus in Luke 21. False witnesses were produced who, deliberately or ignorantly, misquoted Stephen and told lies about him. Since the Garden of Eden, the Devil has employed deception to disrupt the lives and faith of all Christian people.

Their testimony was a subtle and deadly misrepresentation of what was intended. Comparing their words with Jesus' teaching reveals an identifiable mixture of truth and falsehood. Jesus did predict the temple's destruction, but he did not say he was its destroyer. Jesus was not an opponent of the law but did alter the customs of Moses, the oral tradition, when he found that allegiance to them meant nullifying the written law of God. This chapter ends with all eyes on Stephen. The appearance of his face, said to be like the face of an angel, confirmed that he was filled with the Spirit, calmly trusting Christ and his promises. So full of the Spirit, so full of wisdom, faith, grace, and power is Stephen that the glory of God shone from his face.

Today, people can be destroyed by the false witness of others. Stephen is an amazing example of how to respond to lies and half-truths in a way that reflects God’s glory and majesty. Even when our lives are torn apart by others, Jesus has promised to bring hope and peace in these circumstances. DR

1. Have you been the subject of false gossip or rumours? Think about how you responded.

2. How can we truly reflect God’s glory in the same way as Stephen?

Heavenly Father, help us to reflect your glory in all that we do and say. Protect us from evil and all those who would tell lies about us. May Stephen’s example make us wiser and more discerning in these circumstances. Amen.


Jesus returns to the themes of persecution and betrayal describing them in very personal terms. Family members, even parents and children, as well as friends, will betray one another. When a person is betrayed by a close family member or friend, the pain felt is so much greater due to the strong bonds that are broken. Prior allegiances will mean nothing and trust will disappear. It is not clear whether Stephen’s family or friends betray him, but according to Jesus’ words, it is possible.

Jesus tells his disciples that they will be hated due to their faith in Christ and that some followers will be put to death. As the events proceed through Acts 6 and 7, we see this prediction eventuate. Jesus does not promise his followers an easy life, but as they share in his suffering they will share in his glory.

This is the good news which brings both comfort and confidence to his disciples. Jesus called his followers to persevere in the face of opposition and threats of violence. Jesus reassures them that in him they will not perish but have eternal life. They could be bold and courageous, they could stand firm, with the assurance that death had been overcome by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

In the same way, we are reassured that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ, giving us boldness and courage in our ministries and our Gospel witness. We should also be encouraged by the examples of Christians around the world who risk their lives and lose them for the sake of the Gospel. DR

1. Have you been betrayed by a close family member or friend (Christian or non-Christian)? How did that feel and how did you respond?

2. Have you ever avoided talking about your faith or sharing the Gospel because of the fear that they will respond negatively? How can we be bold and courageous?

God of grace, when we face betrayal, hatred and even death, strengthen our faith and our resolve. Help us to share the good news with boldness, courage and enthusiasm, trusting in the promises of Jesus. Amen.


We turn for a moment to the teaching of Jesus in Luke 21 about the end times and the persecution of his followers, as they are relevant to Stephen’s situation. Jesus first speaks about events which will signify the end times. There will be conflict among the nations as well as signs in nature and from heaven (21:11). However, before the end times, Jesus predicts that those who serve the Gospel will be seized, persecuted, thrown in prison and brought before the secular authorities (21:12). Those who preach the Gospel threaten the political, social and religious status quo. Disciples of Jesus will have the opportunity to bear testimony to him even in dire circumstances.

When this happens, Jesus encourages his followers to trust in him and not worry or be afraid (21:14). There is no need for pre-prepared speeches or palm cards. When brought before religious and secular authorities, Jesus promised to give his disciples wisdom and the words to say. Spoken by God’s grace and power, no-one who heard them would be able to resist or contradict them (21:15). We are reminded of the power of Stephen’s preaching and that no-one could stand against him.

We are fortunate that in Australia very few Christians are arrested, tortured, or imprisoned for their faith. We need to be prepared for opposition and persecution trusting that God will help us to respond in the right way. When we rely on God’s strength and guidance, our words and actions will carry the power to transform situations and lives. We should remember and pray for Christians facing opposition and persecution around the world. DR

1. In what ways and places do Christians face persecution and imprisonment?

2. Have you ever relied on God’s guidance to respond to opposition to the Gospel? What was the result?

Loving Father, we thank you for the freedom to live out and share the Christian faith in Australia. We give thanks for Jesus’ promise to be with us during times of persecution, giving us the words to say to those who oppose the Gospel. Remind us to pray for the persecuted church. Amen.


At this point, we are introduced to one of the seven, Stephen, who is the main subject of the remainder of this chapter and the next. We are drawn to Stephen’s example because he was full of the Holy Spirit and totally committed to the Gospel. Stephen’s ministry is similar to the ministry of the Apostles. He engages in effective witness by word and action in the power of the Spirit (5:12, 42). Stephen performs great wonders and signs among the people by God’s grace and power (6:8). But he also preaches effectively and powerfully.

Stephen's witness in the Hellenistic Jewish synagogues drew immediate opposition. The teaching of Jesus had also drawn opposition and he predicted those who followed him would also face opposition and persecution. Those who challenged Stephen in theological debate had no answer for him and so no-one could stand against him (6:10). Despite winning the debate, those who challenged Stephen did not respond with repentance and accept the good news by faith. This was not a reflection of Stephen’s ministry, but rather a matter between them and God. They would, in fact, continue to plot against him.

For our own ministries to be effective, we must also operate by God’s grace and power being filled with God’s Spirit. It is tempting to try to minister in our own strength; however, if we do this, our efforts will not bear fruit. At the same time, we must be aware that people do not always respond to the Gospel when it is presented to them, and our attempts to share the Gospel may result in conflict and persecution. DR

1. Think about times when you have ministered in God’s strength and in your own strength. Reflect on the differences.

2. Have you faced opposition/persecution as a result of sharing the Gospel? If yes, how did you respond? If you haven’t, how would you respond?

Almighty Father, we thank you for calling us, equipping us, and empowering us for the work of mission. Help us to minister by your grace and power, and not by our own strength or understanding. Sustain us in the face of opposition and persecution. Amen.


The suggested appointment of seven men to meet the pastoral needs of the growing congregation was accepted by the whole congregation, meaning that the Hebraic group and the Hellenistic group were in agreement. Even though the Twelve did not specify from which group the seven should be selected, all seven names were Greek: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (6:5). It seems that the congregation decided that the widows should be ministered by those from their own cultural group. Given the differences between the two groups, this decision showed respect for the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows.

The group of seven were brought to the Twelve who commissioned them for their ministry by praying for them and laying hands on them (6:6). The Twelve did not pray for them to be filled with the Spirit because being filled with the Spirit was a requirement for their selection in the first place. Instead, the Twelve authorised these seven men to engage in this important ministry on behalf of the Twelve and the congregation as a whole. If this issue had not been dealt with quickly and completely, there was the potential for the congregation to be torn apart. Instead, the word of God spread, there was rapid growth in the number of disciples in Jerusalem and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (6:7). Unity was central to the spread of the Gospel.

We must also seek to preserve unity within our own congregation seeking to meet the pastoral needs of all members. DR

1. Reflect on the ministry to which you have been called and your commissioning for this ministry (if this has occurred). Think about the ways your ministry contributes to the life of the congregation.

2. How does the degree of unity which exists amongst the churches in Toowoomba help the spread of the Gospel in this region?

Loving God, help us to be a unified church under the perfect headship of Christ. Help us to recognise your calling on our lives, and exercise our ministry with wisdom and in the power of your Spirit. Amen.


As the early church grew in numbers, a problem arose which threatened church unity and future growth. The Hellenistic Jewish widows were not receiving assistance in the form of daily food distribution while the Hebraic Jewish widows were. This may have been caused by language and cultural differences or the distance that the Hellenistic widows lived from the rest of the congregation. Whatever the cause of the issue, and it was probably not deliberate, widows were extremely vulnerable because they could not, in most cases, support themselves and relied on external help to survive.

The Twelve instructed the congregation to choose seven men to take over this responsibility, while the Twelve would concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word. These seven needed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom (6:3). The decision-making process reflects important values for church order. The process was open and transparent as all the congregation were invited and attended the gathering. It was participatory, the congregation chose the seven while the Twelve would authorise them to minister, giving distinct roles for leaders and congregation. The proposed solution reveals the values that guided the decision: commitment to unity, to a holistic ministry and to growth by means of preaching and teaching. Unity is maintained by ensuring that all widows were treated equally. Luke stresses that this social ministry has equal validity with the apostles' ministry of prayer and teaching, for he uses diakonia to describe both. The church must exercise both, and neither to the exclusion of the other.

We are reminded of the importance of pastoral care, prayer and the teaching of God’s word for the health, unity and growth of our congregation, and that these tasks may be shared amongst us so that no ministry is neglected. DR

1. How does St Bart’s care for the vulnerable and empower its leaders?

2. Why is prayer and the ministry of the Word so important for church growth?

Lord of all, as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ, make us mindful of the needs of the vulnerable in our midst. Help our leaders to ground the ministry of St Bart’s in prayer, and to be faithful in the teaching of your Word. Amen.


There are often people in our lives who have hobby-horses that they like to talk about, somehow, conversations always gets back to that one topic. When you’re talking to me, we might end up talking about coffee or cricket because I really like those things and are passionate about them. The Apostles loved Jesus and were totally passionate about him and the Gospel and so, even after being commanded by the religious leaders not to continue speaking about Jesus, the apostles refused to stop.

Nothing could stop their spirit-fuelled mission. The Sanhedrin trying to stop them teaching about Jesus would be like someone trying to use scotch tape to stop a Boeing 747 from taking off! The Apostles went from house-to-house, they even went back into the temple courts, from where they were captured and they continued to teach there. What were they teaching specifically? The Good News that Jesus is the Messiah.

Notice that this isn’t good advice. Good advice is something like a fad diet, you can take it or leave it and it doesn’t really matter. Good news is something which is real, which will have an impact on people. Living with Jesus as Lord isn’t a take it or leave it fad. Living with Jesus as Lord isn’t bad news either. It’s not a set of rules to follow because his yoke is easy and his burden is light. But living with Jesus as King is Good News. He brings salvation, eternal life, freedom, hope, life, joy, and peace and so much more! So then why do we shy away from telling people about him? Do we feel awkward? Do we worry about what people will think about us? Let’s not worry about these things because we have confidence in the Gospel, and in our Saviour. MC

1. What gets you really ‘fired up’ and passionate? Why is it so important to you?

2. How we can become this passionate about Gospel proclamation?

God of grace, thank you so much for your good news, and the witness of the apostles. We are sorry for when we don’t take the Gospel seriously. Please refresh and set a passion in our hearts for the Gospel and help us to proclaim it in word and deed on our frontlines. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


What would be considered as being a ‘normal’ reaction to being flogged? Whimpering? Anger? Bitterness? What about rejoicing? That’s not what first comes to mind is it? But that is exactly what the Apostles express after being whipped after their trial. The point made by Gamaliel yesterday worked and the Sanhedrin agreed to release the apostles after a whipping and an order to not teach about Jesus anymore. Given the recent history, we can safety assume that that is not going to happen. But then they are described as leaving with joy. Not just some kind of adrenalin fuelled, fleeting joy, but a continuous gladness. Why would someone be joyful after a beating? Because they had been considered worthy of suffering for the sake of Jesus’ name. In Luke 6:22-23 Jesus teaches his disciples about rejoicing and being blessed when people hate them because of him an in today’s passage we see this at work.

How amazing it is to be proven as a true disciple of Jesus by being hated because of telling people about him! But note two things: Firstly, pain and suffering aren’t good things, we shouldn’t go looking around for opportunities to be hated, followers of Jesus aren’t masochists. But we can be joyful when these things come about because we are sharing in Jesus’ suffering and in Jesus’ mission, and we remember that our true inheritance is in heaven. Secondly, we should also be extremely cautious of teaching which promises financial or physical prosperity as a result of following Jesus when in fact the opposite is what the Bible teaches. We shouldn’t be surprised when suffering comes but we should have a deep satisfaction knowing the one in whom we trust. MC

1. Why is the experience of suffering as a Christian so different to the rest of the world? What is your experience of suffering for the Gospel?

2. How could you support or help a friend who is experiencing any form of persecution for following Jesus?

Loving God, we thank you for your word and the example of the Apostles. Help us to trust in you and be joyful when we come across opposition for following you. We pray for the persecuted church world-wide. Give them this same joy, hope and confidence in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


In a fight between God and a human, who would win? It’s pretty silly question because of course it’s going to be God! But that is the question posed at the end of the passage and finally, a bit of common sense prevails in the Sanhedrin after a rough start. It is safe to say that the council didn’t really appreciate Peter’s words that we read yesterday. In fact, they were absolutely furious that Peter had again accused them of putting Jesus to death and proclaiming the Gospel. So they wanted to kill them, to kill the leaders of the church. But before they could, a man named Gamaliel rose to speak. Gamaliel was remembered in Judaism as the “embodiment of pure Pharisaism”. This man was highly esteemed and so when he spoke, everyone would listen intently.

He raises up two cases of people who quickly gained a following, but when they were killed, the followers dispersed and the movement came to nothing. What is he reasoning here? Well, if the Apostles are let off and the movement disperses, then it clearly would not be from God and won’t inconvenience the Sanhedrin for long. But, if the movement grows and grows, it must be from God and to fight against God would be futile. 2,000 years later, I think it’s safe to say that the church was ordained by God. So what does that say about those who want to bring Christians down and persecuting them? It means that they are fighting not against Christians and the church but against God and so this means that they will never prevail! No human power can stop the work of the Gospel because it is from God. So we don’t despair, but we keep on proclaiming the Gospel. MC

1. What causes the Sanhedrin to react so violently to the Apostles’ words?

2. When you speak to people about the Gospel, where is your confidence? Where should our confidence be?

3. Why can’t anything stop the spread of the Gospel? How does that impact the way we do evangelism?

Awesome God, you are in control, you have all the power, and you have all the authority. Thank you that when people persecute your church, they won’t prevail. Give us the confidence that when we go out, we go out in your power that no human can stand against. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


The Apostles have been found. They have been found doing something unbelievable, something unspeakable, something that was very dangerous - that is, according to the leaders of Israel. What were they doing? Teaching! Can you imagine the surprise of the council when they were found teaching? So the Apostles were brought in before the Sanhedrin for a trial and questioning by the High Priest. But, it’s not really a questioning here. The Priest is just stating the facts as if he is threatened by these people. The teaching is filling Jerusalem, people’s eyes are being opened to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is at work with power.

When they were accused of disobeying the council, the Apostles don’t double down and they don’t make any apologies, but say that they are obeying God. This also implies that the council, the experts of the Law and teachers of it, are not. There would have been a great gasp or shock in the room. The Sanhedrin is being told off by a bunch of formally fishermen and again being accused of killing Jesus. But, the Apostles keep teaching. Nothing can stop them, no court will silence them, they didn’t care about their social status, they didn’t care about popularity, they didn’t care about money. All they cared about was spreading the Gospel and bringing more and more people to Jesus.

Although not everyone is called to be evangelists like the Apostles, the Gospel is still the most important news that anyone could share. It’s more important than the weather or even how the family is going. Nothing should stop us from sharing the Gospel on our frontlines, because persecution is temporary, bullying is temporary, but Jesus brings life in eternity. MC

1. Why were the Sanhedrin so threatened by the teachings of the Apostles? How did the Apostles respond? Why did they respond like this?

2. What is your ‘frontline’? How can you further proclaim the Gospel in it?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the model and boldness of the Apostles to keep on teaching in the face of persecution. Help us as we live in the world to treasure the Gospel so much that we can’t help but proclaim it where we are. Through Jesus’ name, Amen