Title: First Deacons & Stephen's Courage
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Journey through Acts
Date: January 22, 2026
Bible: Acts 6
Devotional Overview: Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Day 451 of a three-year journey through the Bible. In this session, we explore Acts chapter 6, which marks a pivotal moment in the early church: the establishment of the office of deacon and the powerful ministry of Stephen.
Key Highlights:
The First Church Division: Discover how the early church addressed its first internal conflict—an ethnic and linguistic dispute between Hebrew-speaking Jews and Greek-speaking "Hellenists" regarding the care of widows.
Elders vs. Deacons: Learn about the biblical distinction between spiritual leadership (prayer and the ministry of the Word) and the vital role of deacons in meeting the practical needs of the congregation.
Sensitivity in Leadership: Pastor Jason highlights how the Apostles chose seven men with Greek names to ensure the Greek-speaking widows felt heard and cared for.
The Ministry of Stephen: Though appointed to serve tables, Stephen was a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" who served as a powerful evangelist and apologist for the Gospel.
Standing for Truth: See how Stephen responded to false accusations and opposition with wisdom and grace, reflecting the face of an angel even under intense pressure.
Reflection Quote
"The world can't stand up really against the truth of God... if God's people hold firm to the truth of God and hold out what the truth is, and they do so in love and with wisdom, the world can't answer that."
#BibleStudy #Acts6 #Deacons #ChurchLeadership #DailyDevotional #WalkingWithJesus #StephenTheMartyr #ChristianFaith
