Is Our Faith Seen by Others?

N.T.#833 "Is Our Faith Seen by Others?"

 July 10, 2026 

Acts 6

LET IT GLOW 

There were two very different groups within the church in Jerusalem. Their common bond was Jesus and the Holy spirit filling them. They were the Hellenists and the Hebrews.

The Hellenists were Jewish by birth, yet adopted the customs from their Gentile neighbors. Many rejected pagan religions, only worshiped God, brought sacrifices to the temple, observed the festivals, and obeyed the Law of Moses. They dressed like Gentiles, socialized with Gentiles, but embraced the Roman government as their own. Greek was their main language. In other words, these believers had the worlldy ways in them.

The second group was called Hebrews. They obeyed the Law of Moses, conducted themselves using the Pharisaic code of conduct-how they dressed, washed, ate, conducted business, what they ate and touched. They abandoned their Jewish identity and accommodated the Greek culture. They spoke Hebrew or Aramaic.

That gives us a background concerning this young church in Jerusalem. Now days our churches have various types of people differing in cultures, traditions, and ways to worship the same God. 

LET IT GROW 

A problem arose between the Grecians and the Hebrews in the church in Jerusalem. The Grecians felt the needs of their widows were being neglected. The disciples said they should not leave the Word of God to serve tables. They simply could not do it all. 

Back then, if women had no husband nor family, they had a bleak life for provisions. The disciples could not do everything everywhere. The solution was to pick out 7 men of good character, deacons, to serve and meet the needs of others in the church. Remember, there were several thousands of converts by this time in the church.

The deacons were to be good men of good reputation. Later on, Paulsent Timothy the qualifications of deacons. The names of the 7 men are listed in verse 5, which included Stephen. 

We will continue Stephen's encounter with the religious groups later. Stephen was full of faith and power, as well as the Holy Spirit.

When people look at our life, what do they see?

LET IT GO

Use us to be servers today, Lord Jesus.

May others see evidence of our faith.