The Gospel of ACT
Now about this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, a complaint was made by the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the [native] Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.So the Twelve called the disciples together and said, “It is not appropriate for us to neglect [teaching] the word of God in order to serve tables and manage the distribution of food.
Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The suggestion pleased the whole congregation; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith [in Christ Jesus], and [filled with and led by] the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (Nikolaos), a proselyte (Gentile convert) from Antioch.
They brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them [to dedicate and commission them for this service].
And the message of God kept on growing and spreading, and the number of disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem; and a large number of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith [accepting Jesus as Messiah and acknowledging Him as the Source of eternal salvation].
Now Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing, favor) and power, was doing great wonders and signs (attesting miracles) among the people.
However, some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (freed Jewish slaves), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and [the province of] Asia, rose up and questioned and argued with Stephen.
But they were not able to successfully withstand and cope with the wisdom and the intelligence [and the power and inspiration] of the Spirit by whom he was speaking.
Then [to attack him another way] they secretly instructed men to say, “We have heard this man [Stephen] speak blasphemous (slanderous, sacrilegious, abusive) words against Moses and against God.”
And they provoked and incited the people, as well as the elders and the scribes, and they came up to Stephen and seized him and brought him before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court).
They presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law [of Moses];
for we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down this place and will change the traditions and customs which Moses handed down to us.”
Then all those who were sitting in the Council, stared [intently] at him, and they saw that Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel.
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Content source: Amplified version of the Holy Bible by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631
Image source: Our media Team
I capture a big lesson in verse 7 which I tag The Blessings of Team Work:
After the Apostles have resorted to delegating responsibilities to others, the work of God grew and spread. Christ is the head of the church with everyone as its members whom God has configured with a unique gift and talent all for the growth and nourishment of the church..
The relevance of the Seven Deacons was a great exposure to the great gifting of God in them. We could see how God used Stephen , Philip and the likes.
One thing I want to point out in this selection is that these Seven young men had discovered their gigs and in one way or the other, they had been expressing these greatness in them which qualified them for selection.
The selection was not based on lot or ballot, rather on merit. The seven did distinguish themselves in the daily operations of the early church and selecting them was not an issue. It therefore follows that we all have to be conscious enough to allow the grace and gift of God embedded in us to flow out to the encouragement and blessing of the body of Christ.
Stop being so reserved that you fail to live up to your higher calling.
Don't wait for selection before you start living out the leadership grace in you
How much do you consciously contribute your quota to the development of God's people while you are at the background. God is watching nd people are watching. A day will come and a qualification will be advertised. Will you meet the requirements?
You can read up my post on Peak Performance/Consciousness of Greatness within.
Thank God for our leader SN knows the value of selecting men of value and worth to help in the administrative work of the @steemchurch Vineyard. They were selected because they had something to offer.
Be the best you have been created to be!
In this chapter reference is made to the principles of Christian leadership in the early church, a duty and being of what is the essence of a church.
The growth of the church needs organization and delegation of responsibilities, the leadership in the church must be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
Prayer and the ministry of the word must always be the first priority for the leadership of the church.
The task of distributing food and clothing to the widows and the needy of the church increased gradually, these women did not have other means for their economic and physical support, taking care of them was a legitimate obligation of the church, the money for their support it came from the fund created by the sales of properties and offerings.
A continuous and growing program like this can be overwhelming.
The apostles were aware of two things: first, this was a task that could not be abandoned, second, other leaders, apart from the twelve, would have to take charge of the "daily distribution" program
For the apostles there was a ministerial activity that had priority. They ewran spiritual leaders of the church and should be continuously engaged in teaching and preaching, their spiritual ministry could be weakened if they were engaged in material chores.
This church was demonstrating the qualities necessary for material and spiritual service.
Many times it will try to raise false testimonies against us, however, if we lead a life in holiness, our Lord will support us at all times before any false accusation that is made against us. We must trust in Him and continue to preach His word.
Jesus did not come to condemn the gospel, but came to fulfill it, some we do not understand Jesus and his word, because He speaks in parabbles. But Apostles upon staying with Jesus for quiet a number of years understood Jesus Christ and his teachings
Peter and the apostles wisely selected some people to take charge of the some roles when the church was expanding. This tells us that the work of God cannot be handled by one person, we must learn to delegate roles to others to handle
One mistake we make in christiandom is to assume that some task or position is more spiritual than the other.
Task
Requirements
So before you choose anyone for that position, look up for these requirements, God bless us
@greenewalks, we can see the requirements as the "Believer's Curriculum vitae" for the Lord's service. Our character is primary in serving God sustainably. Is is popularly said that anointing may take a man to the top but it is character that keeps him there.
Yes Yes Yes
May God help us cultivate and sustain a life of good character, amen
God bless you @uyobong for stopping by
they many of the priests of the time acted as they act the political parties of the time
the church of Christ began with many miracles that impacted and grew very fast in number of church members
Another amazing post.
Is always good to feed our soul with the word of God
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Verse 3
One peculiar thing about this chapter is the ability of the apostles to know that no matter the degree of task to be committed to anyone, character, wisdom and the Holy Spirit were the undeniable prerequisites for leadership in any capacity.