PHILLIP AND STEPHEN: TRUE SERVANTS

In Acts chapter 6 we read the account of the apostles seeking seven men to minister in the daily care of the church's widows. We know very little about five of these disciples, but two of the seven certainly stand out: Phillip and Stephen. These seven followers of the Lord were perhaps the first deacons. We do, however, know for certain that these faithful members of the Lord's church received the laying on of the apostles' hands (Acts 6:6), setting them apart for the work and more than likely imparting unto them the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. Stephen and Phillip would not let the gifts lie fallow.

Luke reveals in Acts 6:7 that Stephen was a man of great faith and power and demonstrated "...great wonders and miracles among the people." Acts 8:5 tells us Phillip went down to Samaria and preached Christ, and verse six states Phillip manifested the power of the Holy Spirit by confirming the Word with miracles.

As New Testament Christians we should be moved in our hearts when we read of these two great men of faith. They were not interested in worldly fame, preeminence in the church or earthly pleasures or comforts, for they were focused on one thing: glorifying the God of Heaven through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. Phillip left the comfort of his home for the kingdom's sake, and Stephen lost his life defending the Savior. But what about us? What are we willing to give up for our God who saved us from our sins? Food for thought, no doubt.

Steve Harris