January 16, 2023 -- Acts 6:1-6 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Dedicated to the Word and Prayer

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

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.
Acts 6:1-6 ESV

Hellenists are those who are Greek speaking. The early Church was made up of those who’d been Jewish people who offered sacrifices, but stopped when they embraced Jesus, because they acknowledged Him to be the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. No more sacrifices were necessary. Hellenist widows would be those women of non-Jewish origin. It is a beautiful sign that the Word of God was spreading far beyond the Jewish nation.

Growth brings good problems. In that society a woman alone had no protection and no standing in a court of law. So the widows were in need of food and of protection. The Church had grown so quickly that the early days of every one knowing the needs of all the others was past. Now a more intentional structure would be required to care for the needs of all.

Notice two things. First the emphasis the Twelve disciples had on Bible study and prayer. This is critical. It is the primary work of those who lead in the church: to be committed to Jesus by being obedient in Bible reading and delighting in praying. Prayer is the believer’s conversation with God. It is speaking with the One in Whom the believer's soul delights.

Then, the readiness of the leaders to find a solution, so that all who were genuinely in need had those needs met. Deacons were chosen. That is, men who had the administrative skills and compassion, were appointed. These men were of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. What a comment it was. These were ordinary believers. Consider the fact that they were dedicated to responding to the love of God in their lives so that their lives had an impact on the world around them. They are powered by the Spirit. They have the grace and wisdom of Jesus Christ. Dear ordinary believer, do you aspire to be a man or a woman who is of good repute, filled with the Spirit and of wisdom?

Father in heaven, hallowed, honoured and blessed be Your Name among Your angel hosts, Your people and through-out creation. Thank You for the powerful Good News of Jesus Christ--the perfect and radiant image of the Father--Who is filled with grace and truth. Mighty Spirit, renew in us the joy of our salvation so that we, as true believers find we have an insatiable appetite to know God the Triune through the Word. Forgive us, God of steadfast love, for our attitude of "good enough" and our lackluster devotion to You. Faithful Father, as Your Word burrows deeper into our conscience by the Holy Spirit's powerful application of it in us, may our actions and joy-filled obedience ever more fully line up with Your will for Your people. Amen.

Church of God, Elect and Glorious
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