Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Ask class members:

After several class members respond, ask:

Again allow several class members to respond. Then have a class member read 1 Corinthians 12:14–21, and have another class member read 1 Corinthians 12:12–13. Explain that in these verses the Apostle Paul compares the members of the Church to the parts of the body. Just as the foot, the hand, the ear, and the eye are important in their different functions, so are all members of the Church important with their different skills and talents.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Seven men are ordained to supervise the temporal work of the Church.

Read and discuss Acts 6:1–7. Explain that under the Apostles’ direction the Church grew rapidly, making converts in many nations. This was cause for great rejoicing, but it also created some challenges. As the Church grew, the Apostles needed other members to help direct the Church and build up the kingdom of God.

2. Stephen testifies before the Sanhedrin and is stoned to death.

Discuss Acts 6:8–7:60. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud.

3. Philip preaches and performs miracles in Samaria.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 8:4–40.

4. Saul is converted and baptized and begins to preach the gospel.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 8:1–3 and Acts 9:1–31. Explain that Saul was a Pharisee who actively persecuted the early Saints. He was present at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58) and had been responsible for the imprisonment and death of many members of the Church (Acts 8:3; 22:4). However, he experienced a miraculous conversion and became a great missionary.

Conclusion

Point out that we, like Stephen, Philip, and Saul, are living in a time when the Church is growing rapidly. Testify that the Lord wants each of us to serve in his kingdom as it grows. Encourage class members to recognize and appreciate the different qualities, talents, and experiences that each ward or branch member brings to the Lord’s service.