Disciples of the Kingdom

In his death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the promised New Covenant, thus rendering the old one obsolete  -  Hebrews 8:13 .  According to  Hebrews , the “ word of the Son ” surpasses all past revelations “ spoken in the prophets .” He went beyond his predecessors, having “ achieved the purification of sins ,” therefore, he was exalted to “ sit down ” at the right hand of God, where he inherited “ all things .” His victory signaled the inauguration of the promised “ new covenant .” - [ Photo by  Jessica Ruscello  on Unsplash ].

Paul instructed believers in the very heart of the Empire not to resist the government, for its existence had been “arranged” by God  –  Romans 13:1-8 .  Writing to the house churches of Rome, Paul presented clear principles for Christian conduct towards the State. He exhorted believers to “ subordinate themselves to governing powers: for there is no authority except by God ,” a statement written at the time Nero the absolute ruler of the Roman world, the man who because the first emperor to persecute Christians - [ Colosseum - Photo by Craig Zdanowicz on Unsplash ].

By his death, Jesus has formed one covenant community, “one new Man,” based on faith in him by one and all   –   Ephesians 2:11-22 .  Paul was adamant. Now, “ in Christ Jesus ,” no longer can there be “ Jew or Gentile .” He has “ broken down   the middle wall of partition ” that once separated Jew from Gentile, “ that he   might reconcile them both in one body for God through the cross .” Having voided the “ law of the commands in ordinances ” that separated them, he is “ creating in himself  one new man .” - [ Photo by  Andrew Seaman  on Unsplash ].

Under the guidance of the Spirit, and in fulfillment of Scripture, Stephen gave eloquent and effective testimony to the leaders of Israel .  Early on, the church experienced conflicts between its Greek and Aramaic-speaking members over the care of widows. In response, the apostles instructed the community to select from among its members seven men “ full of the Spirit and wisdom ” to take charge of the matter, including a man named Stephen, who was “ full of faith and the Spirit .” - [ Photo by  Emily Campbell  on Unsplash ].