Étude 1 sur 4 · La nomination des Sept et l'organisation de l'Église primitive

  1. Étude 1 : La nomination des Sept et l'organisation de l'Église primitive
  2. Étude 2 : L’arrestation d’Etienne
  3. Étude 3 : La comparution d’Etienne devant le Sanhédrin
  4. Étude 4 : Saul et le martyre d'Étienne
  • ADA025 The appointment of the Seven and the organization of the early Church

    Acts 6,1-7 relates the first internal crisis of the Jerusalem Church, linked to the unequal distribution to the widows. To remedy it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes the ministries while affirming their complementarity, and is accompanied by remarkable growth of the nascent Christian community.

    Acts 6.5 (King James Version) :
    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:
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA026 The arrest of Stephen

    The article analyzes the arrest of Stephen (Acts 6.8-12) in Jerusalem around AD 34-35. Although appointed among the Seven, Stephen carries out a remarkable apostolic ministry. His witness provokes the opposition of Hellenistic Jews who, unable to refute him, resort to false witnesses to bring him before the Sanhedrin. Luke highlights the parallels with the trial of Jesus and the gradual extension of the persecution to the whole Church.

    Acts 4.1-3 (King James Version) :
    And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA027 Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin

    The appearance of Stephen before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6.12-15), around AD 34-35, is initiated by Hellenistic opponents from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his wisdom, they resort to false witnesses. The accusations concern the Temple and the Law, recalling the trial of Jesus. Luke thus draws an intentional parallel between the Master and his disciple.

    Acts 8.1-3 (King James Version) :
    And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA030 Saul and the martyrdom of Stephen

    Article ADA030 examines Acts 8.1-3: the first appearance of Saul of Tarsus, who approves of Stephen’s martyrdom, and the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, far from being a defeat, providentially becomes the driving force behind the spread of the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Acts 1.8.

    Acts 22.4-5 (King James Version) :
    And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate