Acts 13:1-52 – Saul/Paul and Barnabas head out on mission together and we get to learn from their exploits.

Philip, one of the 7, gets an angelic message to head south on the desert road, and is then prompted by the Spirit to walk near a chariot. He obeys the call, and being in the right place at the right time he is able to tell the man about Jesus. But would we recognise God’s voice if he called to us? And would we obey?

Today we look at the account of the first Christian martyr – Stephen. There’s much to learn and many challenges to take on board as we follow his example in proclaiming the gospel, facing persecution, and by God’s grace, play a part in the growth of the church.

The early church had been attacked by persecution, seduced by greed but in these verses it faced the challenge to remain faithful to their calling despite serious distractions. A short but challenging passage -especially when we apply it to ourselves and our calling to serve in God’s church today.

Two disciples, going about their business, but looking for an opportunity to share Jesus with those who need him, meet a man who can’t walk and who hasn’t walked for 40 years. As a result we see a miraculous transformation, a bold proclamation and a courageous declaration. And a huge challenge for us as disciples of Jesus today.