Too often in our churches today, some parts of the Bible are ignored. The Scriptures in today’s reading are among them. Many times, we want to focus only on the passages that make us feel good and not on the passages that tell us about hardships, trials, and sufferings. The apostles and followers of Jesus risked everything to testify to Jesus. They were imprisoned and tortured and yet Luke records that they never stopped testifying about Jesus. In today’s culture we, as Christians in the United States may never be imprisoned and tortured. We don’t have to experience the consequences that the followers of Jesus in the early church did when they testified to Jesus. Since we are not under that kind of fear, shouldn’t we be all the more willing to testify to Jesus?

Gamaliel, a Pharisee probably wanted to prevent a division in the council and even to prevent a riot with the people who supported the disciples’ teachings. Paul was one of Gamaliel’s students. After the trial the apostles were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. But look what they did.
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

“So the word of God spread…”
Aren't we glad they never stopped teaching and proclaiming? Should we do any differently today?

Seven men were chosen who were full of the Spirit and wisdom to help the apostles so that they could give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word of God. This task was not taken lightly. Those selected had requirements of being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Laying hands on someone was an ancient Jewish practice and was done as a way to set a person apart for special service. Hannah Sturm (2003) in our second grade class described it this way, “It’s like laying your hands on somebody with God laying his hands on top.” AMEN Hannah!