Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-25
The Church's Extension.

Differences over the use of the relief
funds of the church threatened a serious
division. because the Greek speaking. or
Hellenistic. Jews claimed that their
widows had been overlooked in the dis
tribution Of aims. There is no evidence
OF the community OF goods being prac-
ticed in any of the other churches of the
apostolic period, possibly because IL per
manentIy pauperzed the Jerusalem
Church that called for frequent collec-
tons among the other churches to sup
ply their need. but more proba bly, be-
cause II resulted in iealousies and seri-
GUS differences which were averted by
the diplomatic suggestion Of the apostles
for the election by the church of seven
helpers.
from the Hellenistic party, and upon them
was placed the burden of caring for the
poor and needy The results were soon
seen in the rapid expansion that followed
because the apostles had more time to
preach. the church was a united body and
the seven men became successful evan
gelists. One who was first chosen for the
board of charities. or. as some claim, dea-
cons. became the first martyr of the early
church. His success in winning Helie-
nis1tc Jews for Christ and his advanced
views concerning the Christian faith
caused the leaders of the foreign-speaking
synagogucs 10 start proceedings against
the earnest. eloquent and efficient servant
OF the church, who had removed the con-
was more freedom Of discussion than in
the temple.
When placed before the Sanhedrn and
IA Sc Witnesses testified against him
Stephen defended himself in a marvellous
speech that retorted upon his accuSers
the charge of lacking reverence for
God, His temple. or Gods law. His ef-
fectiye answer. that pointed out the cor
rect view of the law and temple. was
unansWera Its logic Influenced Saul
hn 20 r1 n la nf nhaY
the first martyr, who died beyond the
gate of the city AT the hands of Il mob
that stoned his 10 death. The fires of
prosecutions. having once been started
resulted in great havoc to the church in
Jerusalem. but under the providence of
God il sent the gospel message into all
the communities Of Judah and into the
land OF the Samaritans, where Phillip
breaches
From his extensive work in she c1pital
city Of Samaria under divine guidance
Philip was called to preach the gospel
10 the Ethiopian eunuch. who was
proseiyte of Judaism. The Hellenistic
Jews. grasping the full meaning of
Christs commission because their -es-
dence in other hands freed them from
race Jealousy and bigoted adherence to
preconceiNed national conceptions of the
Messiah. preached Jesus Christ as the
Savior of all men who would repent be-
lieve and confess Him as their Lord.
Many OF the Palestian Jews were saved
In the hour when they were about to re-
nounce the Christian faith by the letter
TO the Hebrews that was selected for one
lesson. which outlined that the law of
victory called for sacrifice. suffering and
self-denial service. The reading lesson
assigned for today's study points out
the heavenly rewards that the faithful
follower of the Christ will receive after
the battles OF life for Christ and His
church have been won. We can only
share the JOYS of glory with our Lord
ing out His program with the spiritual
power that He supplies and. living a life
of self-denial and heroic sacrifice, help
advance his cause among men.