Acts 6

The Explanation

Long, long ago, many people loved Jesus. Every day, more and more.

So many people. So many mouths to feed.

Every day, food was shared. Bread for widows, bread for friends.

But some widows got no bread. Not one piece. That was sad.

The helpers who told Jesus' story, the twelve, heard about it.

They said, "We cannot share bread, and tell about Jesus too. We need helpers."

So the people looked around. They picked seven kind men.

Stephen was one of them. Full of light inside. Full of God's Spirit.

The helpers put their hands on the seven men. Softly. They prayed.

Now the bread could be shared. And the story of Jesus could be told too.

More people believed. More, and more, and more.

What Does This Mean?

Stephen was not scared to talk about Jesus. Even to grumpy men.

Some men did not like his words. They got angry. Very angry.

They told lies about Stephen. Big lies. "He speaks bad things," they said.

They took Stephen to sit before important men. Men with stern faces.

But look at Stephen's face. Not scared. Not sad.

His face looked like the face of an angel. Bright. Peaceful. Shining.

The Common Thread

Why was Stephen not afraid?

Because God's Spirit was with him. Right inside him.

Jesus was not afraid either, once. Men said lies about Him too.

Jesus knew His Father loved Him. So He stayed brave.

Stephen knew it too. God was near. Even in a scary room.

For You

Sometimes you might feel scared. Maybe in the dark. Maybe alone.

You can remember Stephen's shining face.

God was with him then. God is with you now.

You can talk to God, even when you feel small.

He hears you. Every time.

Talk About It

Why do you think Stephen's face looked so peaceful, even when people were angry with him?

Can you think of a time you felt scared, and who helped you feel brave?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank You for Stephen, who was so brave.

Please help me be brave too, when I am scared.

Stay close to me, like You stayed close to him.

Amen.