The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Ministry on earth is sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes ugly, but the ultimate outcome is eternal rewards from the Lord forevermore. Take for example, Stephen in Acts 6!

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing.” – That is good.

The Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. – That is bad.

So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together… - That is good!

They said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” – That is bad.

“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. – That is good.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also… [six others]. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. – That is good.

So, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and many priests became obedient to the faith. – That is good.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. – That is good.

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen… they began to argue with Stephen. – That is bad.

But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. – That is good.

Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” – That is ugly.

So, they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. – That is ugly.

They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. – That is bad.

They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” – That is ugly.

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. – That is good.