Through the Bible: ActsSample

Seven Chosen To Serve

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. 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. 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."

Acts 6:1-3 (ESV)

The church was getting bigger and problems started to arise. Gradually they developed two groups of Christians in one church. One was the Hellenised Jews who spoke Greek while the other was the Jews who spoke Hebrew. The widows complained and the apostles dealt with it quickly and wisely. What did Peter and John do? Four principles stand out. First, the principle of suitable management. They chose a structure that met the need. Second, the principle of separate ministries. The ministry work is shared out and each will do their part. Third, the principle of saintly men. You need men of good reputation, wise and full of the Holy Spirit. Fourth, the principle of the selective method. The apostles said to the church to find the men and they will appoint them, commission them and lay hands on them.

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for this example of wise and effective leadership in the church. The problem did not snowball into a crisis, but rather brought about a governance that met the needs of the people. We pray that every Christian will serve in church and that we will receive supernatural wisdom from You, be filled with the Holy Spirit and be of good standing among men. In Jesus’ name, Amen.