Episode 923: From Service to Martyrdom

Episode 923 June 19, 2024 00:10:00
Episode 923: From Service to Martyrdom
1010 Thrive
Episode 923: From Service to Martyrdom

Jun 19 2024 | 00:10:00

/

Show Notes

In Acts 6, the early Christian community in Jerusalem faces internal challenges as it continues to grow. A dispute arises over the daily distribution of food, with Greek-speaking Jewish Christians (Hellenists) complaining that their widows are being neglected compared to the Hebrew-speaking Jewish Christians. In response to this issue, the apostles gather the community and propose appointing seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this task. This allows the apostles to focus primarily on prayer and preaching the word. The community agrees and selects seven men, including  Stephen.

 

This appointment leads to a more efficient administration within the community, and as a result, the word of God continues to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increases rapidly. Stephen stands out for performing great wonders and signs among the people.

 

Acts 7 features Stephen as he delivers a powerful and expansive speech before the Sanhedrin, responding to accusations of speaking against the Law and the Temple. Stephen recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to Moses, emphasizing God’s faithfulness despite the people's recurring disobedience. He highlights the patriarchs, the story of Joseph, Moses' leadership, and the Israelites' repeated rejections of God’s messengers.

 

Stephen critiques his audience by paralleling their actions with those of their ancestors who persecuted the prophets. He accuses the Sanhedrin of betraying and murdering Jesus, whom he identifies as the Righteous One promised by the prophets. This provocative speech angers the council. And they ultimately condemn him to death.. 

Other Episodes

Episode 925

June 21, 2024 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 925-The Centurion, the Apostle, and the King

Today’s episode presents three stories from the book of Acts. In the first, Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, receives a vision...

Listen

Episode 459

August 18, 2022 00:09:58
Episode Cover

Episode 459: Someone to Guide Me

Throughout the book of Acts, various questions are asked of or by the apostles. Today we explore several of these questions and reflect on...

Listen

Episode 639

May 04, 2023 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 639: The Promise of Redemption in Genesis

We begin this episode with a first person monologue from Eve, just after being cast out of Eden with Adam. Despite her shame and...

Listen