• ADA019 The arrest of the apostles

    The ADA019 article comments on Acts 5.17-18: faced with the remarkable growth of the Church in Jerusalem, the high priest and the Sadducees, moved by jealousy, have the apostles arrested. Luke shows that despite the opposition of the religious authorities, the work of Christ continues through the action of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise of Acts 1.8.

    Acts 5.15-16 (King James Version) :
    Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 6.4 (King James Version) :
    But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
    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 6.1-6 (King James Version) :
    And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.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:Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
    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 6.13-14 (King James Version) :
    And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
    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 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