2026 Acts 6, Restoring Spiritual Power Through Trials
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2026-11-08 16:15
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Restoring Spiritual Power Through Trials
Acts 6
The early church grew from 120 people to 3,000, 5,000, and more. Yet, the church faced persecution from religious leaders on the outside, and lying spirit (Acts 5) and complaint on the inside. (Acts 6) Problems in life and church never disappear. So, what should we do? We are to just solve the problems by the power of the name, Jesus.
Look at verse 1. the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ‘Complaining’ is very serious issue. After the Exodus, the Israelites perished in the wilderness because they complained.
Anyone can face suffering or hardship. If he responds with complaining, it is headed for destruction. Staying away from a complaining person is a wisdom.
When complaining is left untouched, the blessings of God depart, and division and even death enter the church.
On the surface, it appeared to be a matter of aid distribution. But the apostles discerned that it was spiritual issue. Before, Christians practiced self-denial and sacrifice. (Acts 4:32) Now some claim their right and their own interests. What is the remedy?
Look at verse 2. “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” Two things, ‘the ministry of the word of God’ and ‘wait on tables’ are contrasted. Which one is first and more important? What should be the priority?
When God created man, God gave man first, His image, second mission and third food. This is spiritual order, God-man-material. God formed a man[ from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Spirit is above material. Soul is above body. (Genesis 2:7) But Satan has switched the order to material-man-no God. Satan whispers us, “hey, food is first, your body is first, material (money) is first.” It has made man fall into a tragic chaos.
After 40 days fasting, Jesus became extremely hungry. Satan tempted Jesus, “tell these stones to become bread.” This is very persuasive and reasonable. But Jesus knew Satan’s hidden scheme. Satan tempted Jesus to degenerate to be a Messiah of material. Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Are you hungry? Are you busy and tired? Do you have exams next week? Are you looking for a job and stable career? Do you need more saving? Don’t prioritize ‘wait on tables.’ Instead, prioritize the ministry of the word of God. Everything on earth including your body, money and career is fading away. All men are like grass. Your soul is eternal. With the limited time, use your precious life to pursue the word of God first. Jesus teaches us, “Seek first God’s kingdom, then all things will be given to you as well.”
The disciples knew it very clearly. They confessed, “We have neglected the ministry of the word of God.” (v 2) Then they determined. Look at verse 4. “We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This is a great resolution. They prioritized the restoration of spiritual power, refusing to let their energy and time be consumed by non-essentials. By doing so, the problem they faced was resolved.
This is in the diary of Hudson Taylor. "As the sun rises over China, I am on my knees." When he was ministering as a missionary in China, there were many problems. But he determined to pray first at the earliest time of each day. May 100,000 people arise in Vancouver to welcome the rising sun on their knees in prayer.
Friends, there is no such thing as a prosperous life or a thriving church apart from prayer. When prayer and the word of God fill our lives, the power of God is manifested, and problems are solved.
Nowadays, not a few people are quick to complain and burst out anger by job and finance issues. Why? Because their capacity of faith is too small to control material issues and their emotions. Instead of expanding the capacity of faith through prayer and the word of God, they focus only on solving the problems immediately. Often depression and anxiety are due to small capacity of their faith.
This is why the apostles’ resolution is so important. Through prayer and the word of God, they gained heavenly wisdom and power. I want you to experience this. You need to focus on the essence, not the appearance or superficial phenomena. It is a mistake to think that your problems stem from a lack of money, a good job, a stable career, or the absence of someone who helps or understands you. If you receive overwhelming spiritual power from God through prayer and His word, those problems can be resolved.
The world is currently suffering—wars, economic uncertainty, natural disasters and possibly another pandemic. People try to solve these issues, but human selfishness and greed clash, preventing real resolution. The real problem is the absence of God’s word and prayer. We live in an age where people have the form of godliness, but lack its power
Someone does Bible study and attends Sunday worship service. He is nourished by church a few years, but it doesn't seem like he has experienced God’s grace. He easily stops coming to God whenever something happens to him. He’s just been playing church for years, and now it's all gone. He has an appearance of godliness but lacks its power.
Have demon-possessed people come to our church? Has the power to cast out demons been revealed in our church? Have the sick been healed? Have those who wandered found a new life with integrity? People like these should be emerging. Our church is still in its early stage. The testimonies of people who have truly believed and been transformed should come out.
In 18th-century, Gilbert Tennent, a Yale graduate, became a pastor. He was well educated and a decent person. One day, he realized he lacked spiritual power. He found out that his sermons were lifeless and uninspiring. He didn’t see healing and demon casting away in his church. He decided to entirely devote himself to the ministry of prayer and the word of God. Then he became a part of First Great Awakening in America. I'd like to see more boldness and burning passion in the younger generation. You ought to at least make a commitment like, 'I shall be a servant of fire, like Moses and Elijah.'
Look at verse 3. “Choose seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” A good and healthy church is one that has many workers. A church is not a place where the pastor does all the work alone. Everyone in the church is to be involved, with no one sitting on the sidelines.
Here is the difference between a cruise ship and a warship. On a warship, no one is idle. Everyone has a role as an engineer, radar operator, communicator, gun operator, piolet, cook, cleaner etc. On a cruise ship, however some work, while the majority simply eat, sleep and have fun.
A church is not like a cruise ship. No, it must never become like a cruise ship. When every member of the congregation participates in the work of God, the church becomes healthy, powerful and experiences revival. I pray that our church may become like a warship.
Verse 6 says, “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” The church laid her hand on them—why? So that spiritual power might descend upon them. Don’t be oppressed and become small by problems. Pray and receive prayer support. You need to receive spiritual power from above through prayer.
1 Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Who are we? We are a royal priesthood. When you face problems, you need to go back to the essence. Be a man of prayer and the word of God. Seek and receive spiritual power from heaven.
In order for a vessel not to capsize in rough waves, the center of gravity must be located at the lower part of the ship. There are people who are always doing too much though they have barely any spiritual power. Humanly they may be smart and intelligent. But, without spiritual power from above, they are bound to capsize. Do not try to gain too much if you live without prayer and word of God. You will fall. Play all week and just show up to church on Sunday. Such person is too light and shallow in their spiritual weight. They become easily the prey of the world. We are to kneel down. We are to listen to the word of God. We are to work after receiving spiritual power through prayer and the word of God. Verse 7 is the result. “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Now, we see one of the seven, Stephen. Stephen was the first deacon of the early church and the first martyr in the history of Christianity." He was a man full of God’s grace and power (v 8) and wisdom. (V10) Verse 15 says, “His face was like the face of an angel.” It means he was spiritual possessing spiritual power from God. It means, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. I live by the values of Jesu.” It means, “I am looking toward another world rather than this one.” May we all have the face of an angel.
We need the spirituality of Stephen. Acts 1:8 says that when the Holy Spirit comes, we will receive power and become witnesses to the ends of the earth. The word for "witness" is ‘martus,’ which is synonymous with "martyr." A Christian is a witness—a martyr—someone who risks their life to testify to the name of Jesus. You believe in Jesus and follow him. It means that you are ready to die for Him. In fact, we are already dead.
Why did you say you were coming to church?"? To see the blood of Jesus who has borne our sins. Everyone is troubled with shame, guilt and fear of judgment. Who can forgive me, save me, cleanse me and heal me? It is Jesus who shed his blood on the cross, He has set me from sin and judgment. Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel because he was already in heaven with Jesus though he was still on earth.
Now, why do you say you are coming to church? It is to shed your own blood for Christ Jesus. We come, in a sense, to die. We come to shed our blood that is to offer our time, material, talents and serve God’s purpose.
Never forget that you are already dead in Jesus. Do not try to drink and eat more the pleasures and comfort of the world. You will sink into a deeper swamp of despair and death. You can never win over yourself and the world ruled by Satan. You must die. You must shed your blood for Christ. You must endure hardships or insulting. You must be a witness of Jesus in your family, campus and workplace. This is the spirituality of martyrdom. It grants you boldness, heavenly wisdom and power. You will not fall into a victim mentality or a defeatist mindset.
With the spirit of martyrdom, what did Stephen do? He did both carrying out his duty in the church and evangelizing. And he forgave. Acts 7:60 says, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” He was indeed spiritual and extraordinary. It comes from the power of the Holy Spirit.
Whenever Stephen is described, the word "full" (or "filled") appears. In verse 3, filled with the Spirit and wisdom. In verse 5 ‘full of faith. In verse 8, ‘full of God’s grace and power.’
A tin can and an iron pillar may look the same on the outside, but they are fundamentally different. If you kick an empty tin can, it gets dented. Some are like tin can—empty on the inside. Because they are empty, they get hurt and wounded the moment someone kicks them; They get easily hurt by what people say. On the other hand, kick a steel pillar, and you’re the one who ends up hurt. We should strive to be like steel pillars, not tin cans. When you are filled to the brim—as Stephen was—you are neither wounded nor intimidated by the world’s sayings.
Now, here is a bottle full. Shake it. Whatever is inside comes out. Religious leaders hired false witnesses to accuse Stephen. Anyone would feel wronged if they were in this situation. Then they would try hard to defend themselves, speak up, and vent their anger. When the high priest questioned Stephen—asking, "Are these things true?" (Acts 7:1) They shook Stephen. But instead of anger, words of God flowed from him. Stephen began to recount the entire bible history, starting from Abraham to Jesus. A person full of the Holy Spirit and faith is bound to testify.
What is inside you right now? With what should you fill yourself? I want you to fill yourself with faith and the Holy Spirit. Then, when someone or something shakes you, what flows out from you will not be anger or despair, but the word of God, gratitude and joy.
In the Holy Communion, Jesus says, "Eat My flesh and drink My blood." Jesus invites us to receive His grace and power. Don’t live powerlessly. You are supposed to feed on the Word of God. Stop wandering around looking for something fun or delicious; instead, fill yourself with the word of God and prayer. Do not live like an empty tin can—fill yourself up!
Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me daily.” This is the spirit of a martyr—sacrificing, enduring, and evangelizing. We are called to be witnesses. To be a witness means to be a martyr. We are called to live a life of bleeding, devotion. This is the core of Christianity. Then you will be bold. You will not be crushed by the external impacts. Stop whining, "I’m hurt. I am wounded." If someone tries to provoke or strike you, they will end up being hurt. I pray that you may live like Stephen with martyrdom spirit.
Acts 6
The early church grew from 120 people to 3,000, 5,000, and more. Yet, the church faced persecution from religious leaders on the outside, and lying spirit (Acts 5) and complaint on the inside. (Acts 6) Problems in life and church never disappear. So, what should we do? We are to just solve the problems by the power of the name, Jesus.
Look at verse 1. the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ‘Complaining’ is very serious issue. After the Exodus, the Israelites perished in the wilderness because they complained.
Anyone can face suffering or hardship. If he responds with complaining, it is headed for destruction. Staying away from a complaining person is a wisdom.
When complaining is left untouched, the blessings of God depart, and division and even death enter the church.
On the surface, it appeared to be a matter of aid distribution. But the apostles discerned that it was spiritual issue. Before, Christians practiced self-denial and sacrifice. (Acts 4:32) Now some claim their right and their own interests. What is the remedy?
Look at verse 2. “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” Two things, ‘the ministry of the word of God’ and ‘wait on tables’ are contrasted. Which one is first and more important? What should be the priority?
When God created man, God gave man first, His image, second mission and third food. This is spiritual order, God-man-material. God formed a man[ from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Spirit is above material. Soul is above body. (Genesis 2:7) But Satan has switched the order to material-man-no God. Satan whispers us, “hey, food is first, your body is first, material (money) is first.” It has made man fall into a tragic chaos.
After 40 days fasting, Jesus became extremely hungry. Satan tempted Jesus, “tell these stones to become bread.” This is very persuasive and reasonable. But Jesus knew Satan’s hidden scheme. Satan tempted Jesus to degenerate to be a Messiah of material. Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Are you hungry? Are you busy and tired? Do you have exams next week? Are you looking for a job and stable career? Do you need more saving? Don’t prioritize ‘wait on tables.’ Instead, prioritize the ministry of the word of God. Everything on earth including your body, money and career is fading away. All men are like grass. Your soul is eternal. With the limited time, use your precious life to pursue the word of God first. Jesus teaches us, “Seek first God’s kingdom, then all things will be given to you as well.”
The disciples knew it very clearly. They confessed, “We have neglected the ministry of the word of God.” (v 2) Then they determined. Look at verse 4. “We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This is a great resolution. They prioritized the restoration of spiritual power, refusing to let their energy and time be consumed by non-essentials. By doing so, the problem they faced was resolved.
This is in the diary of Hudson Taylor. "As the sun rises over China, I am on my knees." When he was ministering as a missionary in China, there were many problems. But he determined to pray first at the earliest time of each day. May 100,000 people arise in Vancouver to welcome the rising sun on their knees in prayer.
Friends, there is no such thing as a prosperous life or a thriving church apart from prayer. When prayer and the word of God fill our lives, the power of God is manifested, and problems are solved.
Nowadays, not a few people are quick to complain and burst out anger by job and finance issues. Why? Because their capacity of faith is too small to control material issues and their emotions. Instead of expanding the capacity of faith through prayer and the word of God, they focus only on solving the problems immediately. Often depression and anxiety are due to small capacity of their faith.
This is why the apostles’ resolution is so important. Through prayer and the word of God, they gained heavenly wisdom and power. I want you to experience this. You need to focus on the essence, not the appearance or superficial phenomena. It is a mistake to think that your problems stem from a lack of money, a good job, a stable career, or the absence of someone who helps or understands you. If you receive overwhelming spiritual power from God through prayer and His word, those problems can be resolved.
The world is currently suffering—wars, economic uncertainty, natural disasters and possibly another pandemic. People try to solve these issues, but human selfishness and greed clash, preventing real resolution. The real problem is the absence of God’s word and prayer. We live in an age where people have the form of godliness, but lack its power
Someone does Bible study and attends Sunday worship service. He is nourished by church a few years, but it doesn't seem like he has experienced God’s grace. He easily stops coming to God whenever something happens to him. He’s just been playing church for years, and now it's all gone. He has an appearance of godliness but lacks its power.
Have demon-possessed people come to our church? Has the power to cast out demons been revealed in our church? Have the sick been healed? Have those who wandered found a new life with integrity? People like these should be emerging. Our church is still in its early stage. The testimonies of people who have truly believed and been transformed should come out.
In 18th-century, Gilbert Tennent, a Yale graduate, became a pastor. He was well educated and a decent person. One day, he realized he lacked spiritual power. He found out that his sermons were lifeless and uninspiring. He didn’t see healing and demon casting away in his church. He decided to entirely devote himself to the ministry of prayer and the word of God. Then he became a part of First Great Awakening in America. I'd like to see more boldness and burning passion in the younger generation. You ought to at least make a commitment like, 'I shall be a servant of fire, like Moses and Elijah.'
Look at verse 3. “Choose seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” A good and healthy church is one that has many workers. A church is not a place where the pastor does all the work alone. Everyone in the church is to be involved, with no one sitting on the sidelines.
Here is the difference between a cruise ship and a warship. On a warship, no one is idle. Everyone has a role as an engineer, radar operator, communicator, gun operator, piolet, cook, cleaner etc. On a cruise ship, however some work, while the majority simply eat, sleep and have fun.
A church is not like a cruise ship. No, it must never become like a cruise ship. When every member of the congregation participates in the work of God, the church becomes healthy, powerful and experiences revival. I pray that our church may become like a warship.
Verse 6 says, “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” The church laid her hand on them—why? So that spiritual power might descend upon them. Don’t be oppressed and become small by problems. Pray and receive prayer support. You need to receive spiritual power from above through prayer.
1 Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Who are we? We are a royal priesthood. When you face problems, you need to go back to the essence. Be a man of prayer and the word of God. Seek and receive spiritual power from heaven.
In order for a vessel not to capsize in rough waves, the center of gravity must be located at the lower part of the ship. There are people who are always doing too much though they have barely any spiritual power. Humanly they may be smart and intelligent. But, without spiritual power from above, they are bound to capsize. Do not try to gain too much if you live without prayer and word of God. You will fall. Play all week and just show up to church on Sunday. Such person is too light and shallow in their spiritual weight. They become easily the prey of the world. We are to kneel down. We are to listen to the word of God. We are to work after receiving spiritual power through prayer and the word of God. Verse 7 is the result. “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Now, we see one of the seven, Stephen. Stephen was the first deacon of the early church and the first martyr in the history of Christianity." He was a man full of God’s grace and power (v 8) and wisdom. (V10) Verse 15 says, “His face was like the face of an angel.” It means he was spiritual possessing spiritual power from God. It means, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. I live by the values of Jesu.” It means, “I am looking toward another world rather than this one.” May we all have the face of an angel.
We need the spirituality of Stephen. Acts 1:8 says that when the Holy Spirit comes, we will receive power and become witnesses to the ends of the earth. The word for "witness" is ‘martus,’ which is synonymous with "martyr." A Christian is a witness—a martyr—someone who risks their life to testify to the name of Jesus. You believe in Jesus and follow him. It means that you are ready to die for Him. In fact, we are already dead.
Why did you say you were coming to church?"? To see the blood of Jesus who has borne our sins. Everyone is troubled with shame, guilt and fear of judgment. Who can forgive me, save me, cleanse me and heal me? It is Jesus who shed his blood on the cross, He has set me from sin and judgment. Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel because he was already in heaven with Jesus though he was still on earth.
Now, why do you say you are coming to church? It is to shed your own blood for Christ Jesus. We come, in a sense, to die. We come to shed our blood that is to offer our time, material, talents and serve God’s purpose.
Never forget that you are already dead in Jesus. Do not try to drink and eat more the pleasures and comfort of the world. You will sink into a deeper swamp of despair and death. You can never win over yourself and the world ruled by Satan. You must die. You must shed your blood for Christ. You must endure hardships or insulting. You must be a witness of Jesus in your family, campus and workplace. This is the spirituality of martyrdom. It grants you boldness, heavenly wisdom and power. You will not fall into a victim mentality or a defeatist mindset.
With the spirit of martyrdom, what did Stephen do? He did both carrying out his duty in the church and evangelizing. And he forgave. Acts 7:60 says, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” He was indeed spiritual and extraordinary. It comes from the power of the Holy Spirit.
Whenever Stephen is described, the word "full" (or "filled") appears. In verse 3, filled with the Spirit and wisdom. In verse 5 ‘full of faith. In verse 8, ‘full of God’s grace and power.’
A tin can and an iron pillar may look the same on the outside, but they are fundamentally different. If you kick an empty tin can, it gets dented. Some are like tin can—empty on the inside. Because they are empty, they get hurt and wounded the moment someone kicks them; They get easily hurt by what people say. On the other hand, kick a steel pillar, and you’re the one who ends up hurt. We should strive to be like steel pillars, not tin cans. When you are filled to the brim—as Stephen was—you are neither wounded nor intimidated by the world’s sayings.
Now, here is a bottle full. Shake it. Whatever is inside comes out. Religious leaders hired false witnesses to accuse Stephen. Anyone would feel wronged if they were in this situation. Then they would try hard to defend themselves, speak up, and vent their anger. When the high priest questioned Stephen—asking, "Are these things true?" (Acts 7:1) They shook Stephen. But instead of anger, words of God flowed from him. Stephen began to recount the entire bible history, starting from Abraham to Jesus. A person full of the Holy Spirit and faith is bound to testify.
What is inside you right now? With what should you fill yourself? I want you to fill yourself with faith and the Holy Spirit. Then, when someone or something shakes you, what flows out from you will not be anger or despair, but the word of God, gratitude and joy.
In the Holy Communion, Jesus says, "Eat My flesh and drink My blood." Jesus invites us to receive His grace and power. Don’t live powerlessly. You are supposed to feed on the Word of God. Stop wandering around looking for something fun or delicious; instead, fill yourself with the word of God and prayer. Do not live like an empty tin can—fill yourself up!
Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me daily.” This is the spirit of a martyr—sacrificing, enduring, and evangelizing. We are called to be witnesses. To be a witness means to be a martyr. We are called to live a life of bleeding, devotion. This is the core of Christianity. Then you will be bold. You will not be crushed by the external impacts. Stop whining, "I’m hurt. I am wounded." If someone tries to provoke or strike you, they will end up being hurt. I pray that you may live like Stephen with martyrdom spirit.