Note for 20250720 - Acts - Part 6 - Acts 6 - Troubled Times
Acts
Six
Part 6 - Acts 6 - Troubled Times
Acts 6:1-15 KJV
[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. [5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: [6] whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. [7] And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. [8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. [9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. [10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. [11] Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. [12] And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, [13] and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: [14] for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. [15] And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.6.1-15.KJV
Note for 20250720
Isaiah 33:2 KJV
[2] O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.33.2.KJV
Acts 6 might seem like a chapter that is about administration, but those who know also know this is the lead up to the martyrdom of Stephen.
This morning, I was led to read Isaiah 32 and 33, before reading from Acts 6. As you may know, I have a personal reading plan separate from our morning readings too. Now, usually, there is not a "lending" from that to this, but Isaiah 33:2 was brought forward to open today's note.
Friends, what are troubled times? In Acts 6, the Greek widows being neglected stirred up some trouble within the church. If you had to read these two chapters in Isaiah, you might have a better understanding of what real trouble looks like. (To give you an idea, the heading of chapter 34 is "The Day of the Lord") So, what does trouble look like? Stephen, in this chapter, is taken captive by trouble.
Acts 6:9 KJV
[9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.6.9.KJV
I always find it fascinating that trouble always stirred up from the synagogues, when someone did the work of the Lord, especially if miracles and wonders were involved. This, however, meant real trouble for Stephan, though his face was like that of an angel. This nature of people is stirred in me again, this seed thing, of wheat and stares, because I recognize them by their fruit. As you can see, these Libertines were from all over, but who is in the synagogue who leans not to the ways of Moses? So, either these are Jews from those areas, or those of those areas that adopted the Jewish faith. It is somewhat of a heartbreaking matter, that those who claim to worship the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Our Father in Heaven) have such murder in their hearts, lacking in true charity, which is of GOD.
So, a chapter that seems administrative, highlights the seat of man's troubles again, as we will see much more of, not just in Acts, but also in all the letters to the churches, called the epistles.
Sadly,in our time, this infiltration is not limited to synagogues like this anymore, but this seed came in amongst the church unaware too (Jude 1.) Today, the tares are all over, even in the highest echelons of society and especially in politics. (By their fruit shall you know them.) This ancient text, that is still relevant today, highlights who works against "good works" as Jesus would define "good works."
Reading Isaiah 33-34 this morning (and I do urge you to read it,) was like reading the reports of the world on this day. I was reading of things that are in place already, and also of things I see forming. Like I said, the next chapter is the Day of the Lord. Which fills me once more with this urgency to warn people that the Day of the Lord is approaching with speed now.
So, to put it in perspective I want to ask a question that might be a little complex in forming it. Which side do you want to stand on that day, on the side of those (comparing it to our reading in Acts 6) who brought accusations against Stephen and captured him, or those who Stephen ministered unto and would have wanted to see him freed from this arrest at that time? You see, there is only Wheat, and then the tares and chaff in comparison in the parable of Christ. There is no 3rd side to take. "Hot or cold?"
Never forget that Satan has been conspiring since Eden against those GOD created in His image. Satan is the Accuser, who speaks through the mouths of mankind. No wonder Christ called them to be of the synagogue of Satan (Revelation 2:9 & 3:9)
John 8:44-45 KJV
[44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. [45] And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.8.44-45.KJV
Do not be partakers with those who live with this in their hearts, friends. Read Ezra 9 for yourself, if the Holy seed is mingled with something, is that something then not still what it is even if it is not mingled? The concept of what "murder in your hearts" is will bring a profound understanding when taken to the spiritual essence of it. Then it can be understood that it is from such a heart that one gossips too, for it is like murder of a good name. Stealing or preventing opportunity of success and earning for sustenance, is like bringing a famine in someone's house. At the root of man's actions, a heart stands that is for good or evil.
Be good.
Selah, Shalom.
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Romans 8:18 KJV
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.18.KJV
Short Note:
I give it to you from the KJV, because most other translations have replaced the "in us" to "to us" at the end of this verse. So, the essence of this verse is lost. This little change they made, hides that we will receive glory with Christ, in Christ, joint heirs in the Kingdom of GOD. That we will rule and reign with Christ, and judge the angels. The enemy doesn't want you to know what your eternal destiny is with Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. We will be the Children of GOD, in Whose image we were made.
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