Study Acts 6

• Acts 6:1-2 describes an internal conflict arising within the early church regarding the daily distribution of food to widows.

  • How does this logistical challenge, caused by rapid growth, highlight the practical issues faced by the expanding The Great Commission?

  • What lessons can modern churches learn from this initial internal "opposition"?

• The apostles' response is to propose the selection of seven men to oversee this service, stating, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables" (Acts 6:2-4).

  • What does this decision reveal about the apostles' priorities in ministry?

  • How does this act of strategic delegation, guided by The Holy Spirit's Role, contribute to the efficiency and continued advance of The Great Commission?

• The qualifications for the chosen seven are "of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (Acts 6:3).

  • What is the significance of these spiritual and character-based qualifications for even administrative roles within God's work?

  • How does the selection of Stephen and Philip, among others, demonstrate the early church's commitment to internal unity and addressing ethnic tensions?

• Acts 6:7 describes the powerful outcome of this organizational wisdom: "The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a large crowd of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith."

  • How does the resolution of internal conflict directly enable the continued growth and impact of The Great Commission?

  • What is particularly remarkable about the conversion of "a large crowd of the priests" in the context of Christianity Accepted and Opposed?

• Consider how the themes in this chapter relate to the overall narrative of Acts.

  • How does the church's proactive response to internal challenges in Acts 6 lay groundwork for future external growth and the continued spread of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel?

  • Reflect on how The Holy Spirit's Role is demonstrated in both the problem-solving and the subsequent expansion seen in this chapter.