Acts Chapter 6-8 Flashcards

Summary of Acts Chapters 6-8

• Chapter 6 involves the appointment of seven men, including Stephen, to assist with caring for widows and address accusations of blasphemy against Stephen.
• Stephen is falsely accused of blaspheming God, Moses, the temple, and the law.
• Hebrew Jews are those born in Palestine and speak Hebrew, while Hellenistic Jews are born outside Palestine and speak Greek.
• Local autonomy allows congregations to make independent decisions under Christ's guidance.
• The autonomy process includes qualifications, congregation choice, and an installation service.
• Three levels of authority in the church: Jesus/Apostles, Apostolic president, and necessary inference.
• Jesus or the apostles' pronouncements are the only true test of fellowship.
• Pharisees lead local synagogues.

Stephen's Defense (Chapter 7)

• Stephen’s defense includes key cases: Abraham, Moses, Israel in the wilderness, and the tabernacle and temple.
• Allegations against Stephen include historical mistakes concerning Terah, Egyptian captivity, number of people in Egypt, and burial of patriarchs.
• Accusations of historical errors stem from higher critics in modern scholarship.
• If Stephen’s errors were proven, it would undermine faith in New Testament inspiration.
• Philosophical shifts affecting scriptural viewpoints: Rationalism, German Idealism, Existentialism, Post Modernism.
• God's providential control is categorized into permissive, privative, and judicial.
• The church did not start during Moses’ time, as established in Matthew 16:16-18.

Key Points from Stephen's Cases

• Abraham's case emphasizes that circumcision did not contribute to his salvation.
• In Moses' case, Stephen asserts he did not blaspheme Moses.
• For the wilderness case, Stephen indicates he has not blasphemed the law.
• Regarding the tabernacle, Stephen addresses accusations related to blaspheming the temple.

Church Growth and Persecution (Chapter 8)

• Following Saul's persecution, the church is scattered, and Philip preaches in Samaria, leading to many baptisms, including Simon the magician.
• Peter and John visit Samaria to pray for the Holy Spirit to be received by new believers.
• Philip then evangelizes in Judea, notably baptizing an Ethiopian on the road.
• Chapter 8 highlights the ability of regular Christians to preach, indicating no need for apostolic succession.
• Philip the deacon preached in Samaria while the apostles remained in Jerusalem.
• Apostles did not exert denominational control but provided general supervision over all churches.
• Peter and John's visit aimed to bestow spiritual gifts on the Samaritans.

Additional Concepts

• Simony refers to the purchase of a religious office.
• The second law of forgiveness pertains to granting forgiveness to fellow Christians through repentance and prayer.
• Conditional security is supported by Colossians 1:23 and 1 Peter 1:5.
• Philip inquires about the Ethiopian's understanding to assess his spiritual needs.
• The Ethiopian serves as treasurer for the female ruler and must know how to interpret scripture.
• Preaching Jesus encompasses sharing salvation.
• Public confession of faith in Christ is part of the conversion process.
• The church is responsible for supporting widows from its common funds.
• Early church leader selection involved the apostles providing requirements, congregational choice, and formal initiation.
• The accuracy of the Bible regarding historical matters is affirmed, as critiques of Stephen are rooted in modern criticism rather than the original audience's views.
• The concept of soul sleep is disputed; Revelation 6:9 and Hebrews 12:1 indicate conscious states for the dead.
• Evidence for biblical accuracy includes manuscripts, translations, and patristic quotations.