Recently in our church the pastor did a series on how the church operates. From membership through to leadership. As I read this passage, on how the Seven are chosen to Serve, my thoughts hearkened back to those sermons. How every single part of the church is vital to it’s long term survival and mission. Without members the church doesn’t survive, without good leadership the church cannot thrive. Both are needed and vital for God’s work within that community to flourish.
Without further delay, let’s read today passage. Acts 6:1-7
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
a complaint made
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists
So the church is growing. My guess would be rapidly. Anyone who knows how rapid growth goes, things can easily slip through to cracks. A complaint is made by the Hellenists.
Who are the Hellenists?
The Hellenists are Jews, who practice their faith, but have chosen to speak Greek. Not only that, they have assimilated into the Greek culture. Like believers today who live in the culture of the day, that blending in creates conflict within. You know your faith, but you are also part of the culture and making it all fit together is sometimes a challenge. The Hellenists had their faith, but they were also Greek in how they lived and talked.
their complaint
their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
And there is the crack. People were being missed. The church did their best to care for their own, but folks were being missed, The Hellenists had a genuine complaint. No one wants to feel like one of their own is being neglected.
I love how the twelve apostles immediately responded.
They called a meeting of all the disciples right away. Stated their priorities clearly and then made some decisions.
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers,pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The priority of the disciples
The disciples were so clear. Their job was preaching the word of God. It was not their job to serve tables. And they shouldn’t be asked to do so.
So they came up with a solution: The disciples should pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. These men will be appointed to this duty of serving the people. The apostles on the the other hand will continue doing what they are supposed to be doing in devoting themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Makes me wonder, do we honour that commitment well with our teaching/leading pastors? Do we let them focus on prayer and teaching or do we expect them to lead small groups, help organize church luncheons, and/or be present at all the things? Do we expect them to visit everyone in the congregation at least once a year? Be the MC at various events? How can be help our teaching leaders/pastors/elders build prayer into their lives in a pivotal way? What support do we provide to allow them to better seek truth in God’s word so they can then share that with us?
Just some thoughts. I know I sometimes have false expectations without doing the supportive encouragement that I aught to.
Sometimes I see the failings before I look for a solution. (just like the Hellenists, making their complaint who let the apostles find the solution).
Seven Are Chosen to Serve
The disciples needed to choose seven men to serve their community.
5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
Therefore seven men were chosen. Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. Seven men to oversee the caring of the community. Men who could ensure that no one was missed, while letting the apostles do what they must.
6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
These men were part of a service where they were accepted into ministry through prayer and blessing. Anointed, if you will, into the office of deacon.
The End Result
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
People were saved!!! The church continued to grow. More disciples made. Not only that, lots of priests were converted to the faith.
Isn’t it fantastic how when people hold to their calling God honours that? The apostles were called to teach and pray, and they didn’t stop doing that. Instead they opened up ministry to seven men to serve the community. Seven men to make sure the whole community was served well. And God allowed their church to grow. I just love hearing stories like that. Don’t you?
Follow Along
If you are interested in the rest of the series you will find them here eh?
