Week 3 July 18th Acts Chapters 5:12- Ch 8:4

This next section of reading begins with the Apostles being jailed because the priests and Sadducees were jealous. The problem for the high priests and council is that you can’t keep the Spirit of God locked up. Can you imagine what they were thinking when they found that the apostles were not there? Who has the power?


Peter tells the council that they must obey God not man. Not surprisingly they were ready to kill them but Gamaliel challenges them to wait and see or else they may challenge God. My study notes say that Gamaliel was most likely a moderate in his views. I find it interesting that the “middle way” makes the way for the apostles to go forward. Perhaps we can learn something about being “theologically moderate.”

The reading goes on to discuss how the “church” had to organize to care for the needs of the widows. This was deemed important work and seven were “ordained deacons” which means ordained meaning set apart and deacon for service. FYI --The UMC ordains deacons—those set apart of service, teaching and caring for the needs of people.

Stephen a deacon (full of grace) was set up and the community sent him to the Council to be tried. Stephen gives a complete and eloquent response to the high priest connecting Abraham, Moses, Joseph and the patriarchs of the faith. All seemed well until he challenged the “holy place” and the leaders, blasphemy! And at that moment Stephen sees heaven and the Son of Man. They stoned him and Stephen’s last words Lord, forgive them. The text says Stephen had the face of an angel—he had the heart too.

So let’s just talk:

• This note on theologically moderate Gamaliel is intriguing to me. We seem to be in constant battle over something as Christians, whether it be the homosexuality issue, women’s ordination…the list goes on. Gamaliel warns the council not to be too quick to judge, wait and see what God will do. The challenge is how to be “moderate” without being luke warm Christians…thoughts?

• The ordination of deacons is a critical part of the work of the church. Deacons are ordained to Word and Service. What do you know about deacons? And who do you know that God has ordained for Word in service in your community?

• Stephen, our first Christian martyr, final words are forgive them. Forgiveness is at the heart of The Way of Christ. Saul (who would be Paul) was there. Who have we seen persecuted as we just stood by? The truth is we do it all the time—Father, forgive us.