Daily Dose of Hope

November 26, 2025

Scripture - Acts 6

Prayer: Almighty God, As we move into our Wednesday, we pray that today will be a day that we see glimpses of your glory. We need you, we yearn for you. Lord, help us set aside our distractions and settle our scattered thoughts so we can focus on you and you alone. In the next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers... In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently walking through the book of Acts. Today, we working through all of chapter 6.

In Acts 6, we see the choosing of the first deacons to serve the widows from both the Greek and Jewish communities. The apostles felt strongly they needed to keep preaching and teaching but they knew someone needed to be in charge of serving those in need. There was a conflict that had to be dealt with – the Greek Jews felt that their widows weren't being cared for in the same way as the Hebrew Jews when it came to food distribution. It wasn't insurmountable issue at all, but it could certainly create battle lines if not addressed promptly. Stephen is chosen to lead the group who would ensure all of the early believers are fed fairly. This is such a great model for solving a problem in the church. They had an issue, they came together and discussed it civilly, and a solution is chosen. No drama.

I should also note this is the first time we see a differentiation in the roles in the church. Deacons are caring for the physical needs of the people. The apostles, serving more like elders, are preaching and teaching. There are many people in one body with many different gifts. It takes all of us for Jesus' church to be effective and fruitful. This will get clearer as the church develops.

Later in the chapter, things take a turn for the worse. Stephen is being targeted by the Sanhedrin. They don't like how the Gospel is spreading. I wonder if the Jewish leaders are beginning to feel like things are getting out of control. They see the church growing and they don't have a way to stop it. Stephen is exhibiting extraordinary wisdom. How do you fight against that? Well, you cheat and lie. And that's exactly what they did. They have people say that he is speaking blasphemy against Moses. They are willing to do whatever they need to do to slander Stephen. They are abandoning Torah in favor of keeping political control.

More tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki