Grow Guide | May 10, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, May 10, 2026
Series Theme: Continue to Believe
Reading: Acts 6:1-7
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
What was an early lesson about sharing with others in your life?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of life, we celebrate the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Make us confident in the truth of Christ’s resurrection and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
CONTEXT
Our sermon series will examine how the disciples and early believers CONTINUE TO BELIEVE. What did it mean for them and what can we learn from their experience of being sent into the world? As Christians, we carry the peace of Jesus in our hearts and are compelled to share it. We are to share Jesus with everyone! Through our kindness, to be bold in our knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, whether we've seen it not. We are to honor the many gifts we each have for the good of the kingdom. We are to stand side-by-side with those who are not like us. We are to lean into the holy spirit's guidance and CONTINUE TO BELIEVE!
From Dr Karoline Lewis at EntertheBible.org:
The Acts of the Apostles portrays Jesus’ followers from their days with the risen Jesus in Jerusalem to Paul’s mission in Rome. Initial chapters focus on the life of the early community of believers in Jerusalem and the work of the Holy Spirit among them. Called, inspired, and even driven by the Holy Spirit, the apostles and associates spread the gospel throughout the eastern Mediterranean world. Relating Paul’s dramatic call to spread the news of Jesus (9:1‒18; 22:3‒21; 26:1‒23) is the central emphasis of the second half of Acts. The final verse of Acts summarizes the book’s themes: welcome of all, bold proclamation and teaching about the kingdom of God, and God’s plan as unstoppable.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
"Christ is Risen!” Where have you seen the good news of Jesus in our community this week? May we have the eyes to see it!
Open to Acts 6. What is the problem in the story?
Equity, fairness for how people are treated, was an ongoing issue for a diverse growing church. Give a modern-day example of what the church was wrestling with in Acts 6. Hellenists were Greek speaking people and Hebrews were primarily Aramaic speaking people.
Peter and John represented the church rooted in Jerusalem—Hebrew speaking. Paul, who comes later, represents the wider church, Greek speaking and Gentile. In Christ’s church, both Paul’s community and Peter’s community are welcome. Who do you see as someone outside of the church? Can we see them? Why or why not?
Why were widows specifically identified in this passage? Jump to Deuteronomy 10:18 for a key command being observed here. Who else is on the list?
How did the community solve the issue? Who was appointed as a leader (verse 5)? What do we know about him?
This passage is where we learn about the role of “deacon.” Where have you heard this word and what from this passage is a key part of their role? This Sunday in worship, we will install our newly elected leaders from the congregation!
Notice this passage shows us how the early church worked through different issues of treating people fairly and organizing. The book of Acts is also called the “Gospel of the Spirit.” Where do you see the Spirit at work in Acts 6?
Where do you see the Spirit at work at Easter Lutheran Church and the surrounding community like in Acts 6?
Imagine if Jesus walked in on Acts 6. How might you imagine he would respond? How might having the eyes of Jesus help us make decisions in our own lives or church over decisions—large or small?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
What is one issue of fairness in our community you might pray and help act to change?
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.