Through the preaching of the apostles, the church of the resurrected Christ continued to grow in Jerusalem and beyond. A few years after the Christian movement had begun, a situation arose in Jerusalem which required attention.
“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.” (Acts 6:1)
Hellenists were Greek speaking, foreign Jews regarded as inferior to Hebrews who originated from Palestine. Because of scarcity, Hellenist widows were neglected. When the apostles heard of this, they felt led to reach out and provide for the needy Jewish widows in Jerusalem.
“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.”(Acts 6:2)
Because their calling was to preach and witness to the lost, the apostles felt their focus should be on teaching the gospel, and advancing the truth about Jesus, the risen Christ rather than concentrate on benevolence and the distribution of food to the poor.
“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; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 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, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.” (Acts 6:3-6)
To resolve the matter, the apostles chose seven men to manage the distribution of food to the needy. These men should have a solid reputation and be examples of the faith, so to allow the apostles to continue on their mission involving prayer and the furtherance of God’s kingdom through preaching.
“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.” (Acts 6:7)
Through the preaching of the apostles, and the ministry led by Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, the Christian church continued to grow according to God’s perfect plan. By faith, many of the priests, or Christian believers showed obedience to God’s commands and expectations by abiding to the word, advancing the gospel, through prayer, fellowship and worship. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
