Serving Well and Standing Firm – The Story of Stephen (Acts 6:1-15)
As the early church grew, so did its challenges. In Acts 6:1–15, we see how the first Christians dealt with problems inside the church—and how one faithful man named Stephen stood strong for his faith, even when it got him into trouble.
This story teaches us the importance of serving with love and speaking with courage.
A Problem in the Church
At this point in Acts, the number of believers was growing fast. But as the church got bigger, some people began to feel overlooked.
Specifically, the Greek-speaking Jewish widows weren’t getting the same daily food as the Hebrew-speaking widows. This caused tension. It wasn’t intentional, but it needed to be fixed.
The apostles (Jesus’ closest followers) were busy teaching and leading, and they realized something important:
They couldn’t do everything by themselves.
So, they came up with a solution.
Choosing Servant Leaders
The apostles said:
“We need to keep focusing on prayer and teaching God’s word. But let’s choose seven wise, Spirit-filled men to take care of this food ministry.”
Everyone agreed, and they chose seven trusted men—including a man named Stephen.
Stephen stood out. The Bible says he was:
- Full of faith
- Full of the Holy Spirit
- Full of God’s grace and power
He helped with daily needs, but also did miracles and shared the message of Jesus with boldness.
Trouble from Opposition
But not everyone liked what Stephen was saying. Some members of a local synagogue started arguing with him. But no matter what they said, they couldn’t win the debate, because Stephen spoke with wisdom from God.
So, instead of listening or learning, they did something unfair:
- They secretly got people to lie about Stephen.
- They claimed he was speaking against Moses and God.
- They said he wanted to destroy the temple and change the Jewish laws.
These lies stirred up the crowd. Soon, Stephen was arrested and brought before the high council.
A Face Like an Angel
As the religious leaders glared at him and questioned him, something amazing happened:
“Everyone in the council looked at Stephen and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15)
Even though Stephen was in danger, he was calm, peaceful, and full of God’s presence. He wasn’t afraid. He knew he had done nothing wrong—and that God was with him.
This moment sets the stage for one of the most powerful speeches in the whole Bible, which we’ll see in the next chapter.
What This Means for Us
There’s a lot we can learn from this story:
- Every role in the church matters. Whether you’re teaching or serving meals, your work is important.
- God uses ordinary people who are full of faith and ready to serve.
- Telling the truth about Jesus isn’t always easy, and it may bring opposition—but we can stay strong.
- When you walk closely with God, people will notice. Stephen’s peace and courage were clear to everyone.
Stephen shows us how to live with purpose, serve with love, and stand for truth—even when it’s hard.
Acts 6:1-15 (WEB)
6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 10 They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council, 13 and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.