What happensPermalink
The Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews complain that their widows aren’t being cared for. The apostles need to focus on ministry as the church explodes in numbers, so they commission seven Hellenists to handle the day-to-day charity. False witnesses rise up to condemn Stephen because his preaching is so powerful.
Why it mattersPermalink
The commissioning of the seven Hellenists by the Canaanite apostles shows total trust among the early church. Stephen’s incredible witness is portrayed directly in Acts 7, where his shining face recalls Moses’s face after speaking with God on the mountain.
Key versePermalink
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.