Tag Archives: discipleship

Persecution and Triumph

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Don Merritt

When Stephen was being murdered for speaking the truth to the Sanhedrin, a young man named Saul was on hand for the festivities; he seemed to be watching over the cloaks of those who wanted to free up their throwing … Continue reading →

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Stephen Makes a Statement and the Sanhedrin Goes Berserk

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Don Merritt

Acts 7 The narrative of chapter six continues into chapter seven without interruption despite the chapter break: Stephen stands falsely accused before the Sanhedrin, and these false accusations have been made against him, probably at the prompting of his judges. … Continue reading →

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False Testimony before the Sanhedrin

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Don Merritt

Acts 6:8-15 Having mentioned his name for the first time in the previous section as one of the seven to be placed over the widows’ ministry, Luke now turns to the story of Stephen. It would appear that Stephen had … Continue reading →

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Widows’ Needs and Ministry Teams

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Don Merritt

Acts 6:1-7 As the early church grew rapidly, conditions required that steps be taken to meet the needs that arose in the congregation; in this text we see needs, responses to needs, and two all-time firsts. The main problem that … Continue reading →

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God’s Next Move

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Don Merritt

Acts 5:34-42 With the apostles standing before the Sanhedrin, having just infuriated everyone to the point of murder, something happens that is surprising to say the least. The greatest of the Pharisees in those days was a man named Gamaliel. … Continue reading →

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The Apostles Before the Sanhedrin

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Don Merritt

When Peter and John had first appeared before the Sanhedrin (4:1-22), they were not guilty of any particular offense against the Jewish leadership, but this time they were guilty of continuing to preach Christ after they had been ordered to … Continue reading →

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Reason for Concern

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Don Merritt

Acts 5:17-26 While the followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit, the priests and teachers of the law were full of something quite different: jealousy. Consequently, they ordered that the apostles be arrested and thrown into jail. At … Continue reading →

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The Work of the Apostles Continues

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Don Merritt

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed … Continue reading →

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The Curious Affair of Ananias and Sapphira

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Don Merritt

Acts 5:1-11 Two things are vital to the understanding of this most curious little affair: First, we must recognize that this is a part of the same narrative as 4:32-37. We must not be confused by the chapter break which … Continue reading →

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Unity in the Body of Christ

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Don Merritt

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s … Continue reading →

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