The Book of Acts
Servants Are Chosen
Introduction:
The church of our Lord was growing rapidly. Rapid growth meant more
people. More people meant the greater possibility for problems to
arise. But wise leaders responded to these problems in a timely and
effective manner.
Text:
Acts 6:1-15
Body:
I.
Seven Servants Selected
(Verses 1-7)
Verse 1
Acts 6:1
“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the
Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily
distribution.”
NKJV
By
this time, the early church possibly had 20,000 to 30,000
Christians. They were called disciples – learners, followers. With
this many believers, it was easy for some to fall through the
cracks. Church at this time consisted of native Jews who spoke
Aramaic and Hellenistic Jews who spoke Greek. This latter group had
come from outside Israel and been converted. Some widows
[Hellenistic] were being neglected in the daily serving of fool.
Provisions were made for the needy. (Acts 4:34-35) “Nor was there
anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands
or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that
were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed
to each as anyone had need. NKJV
This neglect or oversight could threaten the unity of the church.
Something needed to be done!
Verse 2
Acts 6:2
“Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,
‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve
tables.’ ” NKJV
The apostles acted quickly. To delay could be disastrous. They
showed sensitivity and wisdom by calling all the disciples
together. The apostles did not have time to distribute the food
themselves because their primary purpose and function was teaching
and preaching.
Verse 3
Acts 6:3
“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good
reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint
over this business;”
NKJV
The
apostles wanted the congregation to do the choosing of seven men.
Seven were needed to do the job of distributing to those of need.
They were to select seven men for a specific task. The seven chosen
were to possess certain qualifications – spiritual in nature. They
were to have a good reputation, to be men of good standing. “Good
character is more to be praised than outstanding talent.” John
Luther These men were to be full of the Spirit, spiritually
mature, followers of the Holy Spirit’s teaching. They were to be
full of wisdom, good judgment, practical, and could be trusted to
get the job done.
Verse 4
Acts 6:4
“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the
ministry of the word.”
NKJV
The apostles realized both tasks were important: meeting physical
needs and meeting spiritual needs. (Matthew 25:34-35) “Then
the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come you blessed of
My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty
and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;’ ”
NKJV
They understood the need to delegate duties so all the needs of the
disciples would be met. There are no little [unimportant] jobs in
the church. (Matthew 10:42) “And whoever gives one of these little
ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly,
I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
NKJV
Each member is vital. (I Corinthians 12:18-19, 27) “But now
God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He
pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
27
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
NKJV
Verse 5
Acts 6:5
“And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose
Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip,
Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from
Antioch.” NKJV
The whole group liked the idea! Seven men were chosen but no
details about the process are given.
Verse 6
Acts 6:6
“whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they
laid hands on them.”
NKJV
A ceremony was needed to show the seriousness of the task. Laying
on of hands was a way to set apart someone for a special service.
(Acts 13:2-3) “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy
Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to
which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid
hands on them, they sent them away.”
NKJV
They were possible given miraculous powers now. (I Timothy
4:14) “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to
you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”
NKJV
Verse 7
Acts 6:7
“Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples
multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests
were obedient to the faith.”
NKJV
The
Word of God spread like ripples in a pond. The number of disciples
greatly increased including many priests. Priests served in the
temple two weeks out of every year. It is estimated that there were
possible 18,000 priests at this time. Note: One becomes a
disciple by being obedient to the faith – the body of teaching.
(Jude 3) “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you
concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to
you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once
for all delivered to the saints.”
NKJV
II.
One Servant Arrested
(Verses 8-15) Verse 8
Acts 6:8
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs
among the people.”
NKJV
One of the seven men, Stephen, is now described as one who performed
miracles among the people. His name, Stephanos, means “crown of
victory.” (Revelation2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which
you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some
of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have
tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you
the crown of life.” NKJV
Obviously he had a powerful and influential ministry. He was
filled with God’s favor. Verses 9-10
Acts 6:9-10
“Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the
Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia),
disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom
and the Spirit by which he spoke.”
NKJV
Stephen did more than serve tables. He went into synagogues with
the Good News. “Freedmen” were those freed from slavery. His
message angered some. He possible taught that one could not be
saved anymore by following the Law of Moses. But Stephen stood his
ground. He was speaking the truth and it could not be defeated.
(Luke 21:14-15) “Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate
beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and
wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or
resist.” NKJV
Verses 11-12
Acts 6:11-12
“Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ And they stirred up the
people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came upon him, seized
him, and brought him to the council.”
NKJV
They could not silence him with words so they looked for another
way. They used “underhanded” methods and claimed that Stephen spoke
contemptuously of God and divine things. He defamed God. This was
similar to what was done to Jesus. (Matthew 26:59) “Now the
chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false
testimony against Jesus to put Him to death.”
NKJV
The accusations worked! He was seized and taken before the
Sanhedrin. Verses 13-14
Acts 6:13-14
“They also set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man does not cease
to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for
we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this
place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.’ ”
NKJV
Stephen’s words were twisted and misrepresented. Jesus had spoken
against the Jewish traditions but not the Law of Moses.
(Matthew 15:3) “He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also
transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?’ ”
NKJV
He had also said that the temple would be destroyed, (Matthew
24:1-2) “Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His
disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And
Jesus said to them, ‘Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I
say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that
shall not be thrown down.’ ”
NKJV
but not that He would destroy it. Verse 15
Acts 6:15
“And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his
face as the face of an angel.”
NKJV
Everyone turned to see Stephen’s reaction. He knew he was innocent
and he was not at all intimidated. Rather his face reflected the
glory of God.
Conclusion:
All churches experience problems, but following God’s Word can solve
them. The church needs servants of all kinds to do the work of the
church. Sometimes this work brings persecution.
Bobby Stafford
August 9, 2015 [Evening] Acts: Lesson 18 Acts 6:1-15
