The explosive growth of the church in Jerusalem led to the first threat of division between two groups, as recorded in Acts 6:1-7. Wisely the apostles recommended that the church choose a few good men to handle the urgent need that had arisen. These seven men freed up the apostles to preach and pray, and the church grew even more. The threat to unity and the way the church handled it can teach us how we also can maintain unity and promote continued growth in our church.
Because of a general persecution in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered and took the gospel to Judea and Samaria, where many believed in Christ.
Although Christians will grieve the loss of loved ones, we have two solid reasons for hope.
The extraordinary events in Jerusalem and the mundane events in Nazareth reveal Jesus' uniqueness and his ordinariness.
