Disciples Global Network

Under the guidance of the Spirit, Stephen gives eloquent and effective testimony before the priestly leaders of Israel . The young church experienced conflicts between its Greek and Aramaic-speaking members. The Apostles instructed the community to select seven men “ full of the Spirit and wisdom ” to take charge of the matter. One of the seven was Stephen, and the  Book of Acts  describes him as “ full of faith and the Spirit .”

Men and women purchased by Jesus  from every nation  become priestly witnesses of what God has accomplished in His Son . In the  Book of Revelation , the men and women redeemed by Christ’s sacrificial death become a priestly company that transcends all national, social, and cultural boundaries. They are called to persevere in their testimony before the world regardless of suffering and persecution.

Between the ascension and the outpouring of the Spirit, the apostles pray and appoint Matthias to complete their number  - Acts 1:12-26. After the ascension, the apostles return to Jerusalem to wait for the “ promise of the Father .” In the meantime, they appoint Matthias to the apostolic office held previously by Judas Iscariot. As the leaders of the new covenant community, they need twelve representatives to demonstrate continuity with the people of Yahweh.

The  Book of Acts  begins  IN JERUSALEM  with the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Spirit. It concludes with Paul preaching the Gospel in the heart of the  World Empire , the city of Rome. Following his resurrection, Jesus ascended to reign “ at the right hand of God .” He then bestowed the Gift of the Spirit on his Assembly to empower them to proclaim his Gospel to all nations.

The opening of the Fifth Seal revealed the souls of men kept “ underneath ” the Altar, saints who had been slain for their “ Testimony .” They pleaded with God for their vindication and for judgment on the “ Inhabitants of the Earth ” who had persecuted them. They were told to wait for Him to answer their plea until the full “ number ” of their “ fellow servants ” who were going to be slain “ just as they were ” was added to their company.