Partakers Christian Podcasts

The Spirit Explodes Part 7 of 22 - The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:1 – 8:3) by Roger Kirby Luke, probably guided by Paul’s memories of what happened, sees the teaching and death of Stephen as a major turning point in the progress of the Gospel. To this point opposition has come from the ruling classes in Jerusalem; the common people had approved of what was happening. From here on the believers lost the support of everybody. Consequently the focus of the Gospel is about to move outside Jerusalem. First: the background in Acts6:1–7. The “Grecian Jews” of the NIV probably means Greek speaking Jews who had retired to Jerusalem mainly in order to die there; “Hebraic Jews” probably means long term Aramaic speaking residents of the city. Each would have worshipped in a synagogue where their most familiar language was spoken. When some of each became Christian tensions arose. The seven chosen men are often called deacons but only because the Greek word for “waiting on tables” is diakonia. Their responsibi