The Dolores star., 1923-08-17
. stephen. the Deacon (6:1-S).

I. Stephen, the Deacon (6:l-S).
The early church was threatened
with dIsenslon over suspected partial
ity in the distribution Of alms. Up 10
this time It would seem that the apos-
ties did all the work. In view of such
burdens, perhaps some things had been
neglected. However. the church proved
Itself capable of meeting the eXigency.
4 congregational meeting was called;
the case placed before the church and
the church instructed to select seven
spirlt-tilled men Of good reputation to
administer the temporalitles of the
church, giving the apostles the neces-
Sary time for prayer and the ministry
of Gods word Thus we see how that
solve its own problems, and how
church government developed. Just
as the deaCOn's office Sprang ont of
this dissension, so new needs called
forth new officers. Among the seven
dcacons, Stephen had first place. While
engaged in his duties ms deacon. he
sprang into the light as M eloquent
and powerful preacher. So mighty was
his ministry that the number of discI-
pies greatly increased; even many of
the priests believed.
II. Stephen Before the Council
(6:9-15).
1-DIsputlng With Stephen wv. o,
10Y.
Certain foreign speaking Jews took
the lead in this controversy. Perhaps
the fact that Stephen was n GreCian
Jew provoked them to the act. He
was more than match for them while
the debate was carried along the lines
of reason and Scripture.
Charged With Blasphemy wv.
HID.
They trumped up this charge and
endeavored to support 1t by secretly
finding and inducing men to perjure
themselves In their testimony. Stephen
showed in his preaching that Gods
purpose was progressive and that the
policy instituted by Moses should be
superseded by the new faith, since this
was the elimination of what Moses
began. He showed that the old dis
pensation would be superseded by the
new and that the church would come
out into the liberty of Christ.
3-Stephen's Face Transfigured (v.
15).
He was SO completely filed with
Christ that his face shone as the face
Of an angel. 1t was Christ shining
through him.
III. Stephens Defense e 7:1-53).
In refutng their charge he showed
by the history Of Gods dealing with
the Jews that they had always resisted
Him. Therefore their present attitude
was because they were unwilling to
move forward with the divine purpose
AS pointed out by Stifer four points
stand out in his defense:
l. Gods dealings with the Jews
reached by a single leap but by grad
ual stages.
.. The temple was not the only holy
place. God appeared at different places
and at different times.
3. Israel invariably opposed God as
He tried TO lead them on.
!. He showed his loyalty to Moses
by constantly referring to him.
~. Stephen Stoned G. :54-Go).
Looked Steadfastly Into Heaven
". 55).
This was the secret of his calm. If
he had looked about him he might
have been afraid.
2. He saw the glory of God.
A vision of Gods glory can only be
seen by those who are loyal unto Him,
even unto death.
3. He saw Jesus standing on the
right hand Of God The fact that
Jesus was standing shows that He is
actively interested in the suffering of
His faithful witnesses.
4. Cast him out of the city and
stoned him.
.. His prayer ". 6O). How like that
Of Jesus on the cross. Christ so com
pletely filled him that he could thus
act.
6. He fell asleep ". 6O). The Chris
tian's death Is only sleep. This sub.
lime scene must have vitally affected
Saul who was consentlng unto his