Acts 6:1-7
1 Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
3 Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
6 And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
7 The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Outbreak of Problem within the Church (2)
The principle of service (verse 2)
“So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.” Let us learn from how the twelve apostles dealt with the situation. (1) They responded to the problem promptly. It is good not to delay. (2) They held a meeting with all the believers to gain everyone’s agreement. (3) They openly acknowledged the existence of the problem. Recognizing the problem frankly is a healthy attitude. (4) They clarified the principle of service. Spiritual service is prioritized above all else, while material service is also valuable.
Suggestion (verse 3)
“Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (1) Seven men were chosen “to serve tables.” This means that the financial management and operations of the church were entrusted to these seven men. (2) The apostles devoted themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” “Prayer” is communicating to God about people, and “the ministry of the word” is communicating to people about God. (3) Though, it is not certain, these seven men possibly are the beginning of the deaconship. (a) The Greek word “diakonos” (deacon) does not appear here. (b) However, since the verb “diakoneo” (to serve) is used, it can be considered that the deaconship began. (c) At the same time, it is possible that this was a temporary responsibility. (4) Three qualifications were listed for the selection of the seven men. (a) Good reputation (necessary to avoid causing others to stumble). (b) Full of the Spirit (need spiritual qualities). (c) Full of wisdom (need practical abilities). In Deuteronomy 1:13, Moses permitted the people to choose their own leaders. “Obtain for yourselves men who are wise, discerning, and informed from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.” In Acts 6, the believers were also allowed to choose the seven men by their own judgment. Notably, they did not cast lots. They trusted in the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit to select the seven men. The time had shifted from the time of the Law to the time of the working Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit also dwells within us. Let us walk today, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I will continue to walk today trusting in the Holy Spirit. Please guide me in spiritual service. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.