MISSIOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS OF DAVID J. HESSELGRAVE

Abstract

It is important to remember that these early chapters in the Book of Acts instruct us as to how the Spirit worked in the early church in order to effect growth—both spiritual and organizational, both numerical and geographical. That growth often resulted from facing up to adversity within the church itself as well as adversity outside of it. This is highlighted in Acts 6. Internally, the “daily distribution” among members of diverse backgrounds (especially widows) occasioned misunderstandings that had to be resolved. Externally, the spread of the Word of God occasioned persecution that had to be endured. Note how the Holy Spirit worked corporately through the counsel of the Twelve and individually through the witness of Stephen in ways divinely designed to prosper the church and propel its mission forward.