Acts 6: When People Criticize . . .
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food (6:1).
1. Harmonize
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together . . . (6:2)
2. Prioritize
. . . and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables (6:2)
3. Specialize
Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (6:3-4).
4. Energize
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (6:5-6).
5. Evangelize
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (6:7).
1. Great awakenings occur during times of national crisis (11:19)
2. Great awakenings occur simultaneously throughout an area (11:19)
3. Great awakenings occur through different groups of believers (11:20)
4. Great awakenings occur when "the good news about the Lord Jesus" is proclaimed (11:20)
5. Great awakenings occur when lives are changed (11:21-24)
6. Great awakenings occur over many years (11:25)
7. Great awakenings prompt generous giving (11:27-30)
