Daily Bread 2011 - Acts 6
Daily Bread 2011 – Acts 6
The Choosing of the Seven
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
What Does This Mean?
As the new Church grew in membership, the leaders were presented with the issue of delegating some of the ministry of feeding the Greek speaking (Hellenistic) widows to others, who they called to be deacons. The word deacon comes from the Greek word which means, “table waiter, or servant”. Importantly it says the apostles did this so they wouldn’t neglect the ministry of the Word and prayer.
Often in the church, pastors can become so caught in all the administrative and pastoral needs that they neglect the teaching, preaching and praying ministry. But as it says that doesn’t mean the felt needs of those in the community are of any less importance. The Church’s first responsibility is to feed people with God’s word, but also to feed the hungry and those with other deep felt needs. Paul says in Colossians, “Whatever you do in word and deed, do it all for the glory of God giving thanks to Jesus through them.” (Colossians 3:17) James also says, “Faith without works is dead”.
What Does This Mean For Us?
It is easy for the Church to fall into either trap. All word and no deeds, or all deeds and no Word! One of the dangers of the social gospel in our 20th century was so much focus on liberating those in material need, that the power of the Gospel to free people from their deepest need, slavery to sin, was neglected. Similarly, Jesus healed people from their diseases and from their past, but also said, “Go and sin no more.” He also got the most flack from the religious leaders when he claimed to have the authority to forgive people of their sins; often in conjunction with healing them of their physical ailments.
It is important today for the Church to have a balance in its ministries, but its primary mission is to make disciples of all nations baptizing and teaching them to obey all God has commanded. As the number of disciples increases we will have more people to go out and do good works of healing, justice and mercy. Pastors today should still not neglect the teaching and preaching and study and prayer in God’s word; but also spend time equipping the Church and her members for the good deeds God has prepared from the beginning of time.
Heavenly Father you have fed us with your heavenly food through Your Word become flesh, Jesus Christ. As we become your disciples lead us to show your love through acts of service on behalf of the poor showing the world that you do care and are there for them in their time of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Choosing of the Seven
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
What Does This Mean?
As the new Church grew in membership, the leaders were presented with the issue of delegating some of the ministry of feeding the Greek speaking (Hellenistic) widows to others, who they called to be deacons. The word deacon comes from the Greek word which means, “table waiter, or servant”. Importantly it says the apostles did this so they wouldn’t neglect the ministry of the Word and prayer.
Often in the church, pastors can become so caught in all the administrative and pastoral needs that they neglect the teaching, preaching and praying ministry. But as it says that doesn’t mean the felt needs of those in the community are of any less importance. The Church’s first responsibility is to feed people with God’s word, but also to feed the hungry and those with other deep felt needs. Paul says in Colossians, “Whatever you do in word and deed, do it all for the glory of God giving thanks to Jesus through them.” (Colossians 3:17) James also says, “Faith without works is dead”.
What Does This Mean For Us?
It is easy for the Church to fall into either trap. All word and no deeds, or all deeds and no Word! One of the dangers of the social gospel in our 20th century was so much focus on liberating those in material need, that the power of the Gospel to free people from their deepest need, slavery to sin, was neglected. Similarly, Jesus healed people from their diseases and from their past, but also said, “Go and sin no more.” He also got the most flack from the religious leaders when he claimed to have the authority to forgive people of their sins; often in conjunction with healing them of their physical ailments.
It is important today for the Church to have a balance in its ministries, but its primary mission is to make disciples of all nations baptizing and teaching them to obey all God has commanded. As the number of disciples increases we will have more people to go out and do good works of healing, justice and mercy. Pastors today should still not neglect the teaching and preaching and study and prayer in God’s word; but also spend time equipping the Church and her members for the good deeds God has prepared from the beginning of time.
Heavenly Father you have fed us with your heavenly food through Your Word become flesh, Jesus Christ. As we become your disciples lead us to show your love through acts of service on behalf of the poor showing the world that you do care and are there for them in their time of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment