MONDAY - JUNE 29

Read. Acts 6:8-15
8 Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God’s grace was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose from some who belonged to the so-called Synagogue of Former Slaves. Members from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia entered into debate with Stephen. 10 However, they couldn’t resist the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. 11 Then they secretly enticed some people to claim, “We heard him insult Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the legal experts. They caught Stephen, dragged him away, and brought him before the Jerusalem Council. 13 Before the council, they presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law. 14 In fact, we heard him say that this man Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and alter the customary practices Moses gave us.” 15 Everyone seated in the council stared at Stephen, and they saw that his face was radiant, just like an angel’s.

Reflect. The phrase “wonders and signs” is used to show that the power of God that was present with Jesus continues in the church and continues in this new leader, Stephen. We don’t know exactly what they are, but they provide evidence of God’s blessing on Stephen. These “wonders and signs” do not seem to be enough to convince people outside of the church that the power of God is present with the Jesus followers. 

• In v.12 we learn that “the people” become involved with the opposition to the Jesus followers. Up until this point, the opposition that the church faced was from the authorities, now more of the populous is opposed to these Jesus followers. 
• This opposition presented “false witnesses” against Stephen. Has anyone ever presented false witness against you? What did this feel like? What do you imagine Stephen was feeling? 
• It’s easy to begin to think that people like Stephen didn’t feel the same fear and worry that you might. However, Stephen has these feelings just as you. 
• What do you think is happening when they see Stephen’s face is radiant, like an angel? 

Pray. Lord, it was so easy for the crowd to get caught up opposing you. Help me to go against the crowd and to worship and serve you. Help me to have the faith like Stephen, full of your signs and wonders. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST


Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Terry Kibler. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves.