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Do read these opening verses of Acts 6, because in this passage we learn lessons about the importance and centrality of Prayer, and not neglecting The Word of God.

The Church of Jesus Christ was growing and developing, and up to this time, it was pure, powerful and persecuted. Then a problem arose.

Have you ever found that? Everything just appears to be going fine, and suddenly there is an unexpected problem. What is the nature of the problem? How did the leaders deal with this matter, which was very real?

A murmuring arose. It can easily happen, and interestingly, that was the first internal problem with which the leadership had to deal. A group of church members murmured, complained, and grumbled against some of the others. The leaders assumed responsibility for the problem.

Now, although God uses these circumstances for good on this occasion, this does not justify grumbling or complaining. God can take sin, and use it to teach us and transform us, and strengthen us.

In this Fellowship in Jerusalem there are now around 8,000 people. The Church is only a few months old. There were Jews who spoke Greek from the Diaspora - that is from the dispersion of Jews all over The Middle East - and there were Hebrew Jews who of course spoke Hebrew or Aramaic.

Imagine the scene. Every day the widows came along for a meal. The Greek Jewish widows would be at one table, and the widows who spoke Hebrew would meet around another table. It is quite natural. We would do something similar. We like to be among familiar faces and people we can easily talk with. But - the widows who spoke Greek grumbled against the Hebrew-speaking widows. They were receiving more food - or bigger helpings - or they were served first when it was hot.

O, the trivial things which make people murmur! The twelve hear of this, decide to deal with the issue quickly, quietly and wisely.

Grumbles and complaints need not cause splits and trouble, if a united leadership deals with the situation in the Love of Jesus. These leaders say - "Look we should not leave the Word of God to be involved in administration. We are called to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."

Now, there is nothing wrong with administration, but these apostles were not called to that work. They saw however that there was a real need and said - "Find seven men - choose seven men - who can meet this need and resolve this problem. You choose the men and we will appoint them."

Jesus Christ is using this delicate situation to introduce the principle of people having different ministries within The Church. Consider carefully the qualities and characteristics of the seven men to be chosen. They should be known - of good reputation - honest - highly spoken of and highly regarded by others in The Church - and, full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom. These are high standards. The apostles would not just accept the first seven volunteers. They would not simply accept people to make up the numbers. They were particular and specific. You choose them and we will appoint them, laying our hands upon them, thereby setting them apart for this special work. Note the tremendous care and concern. Is this how we select and elect men to serve in the church today?

The apostles were NOT going to be sidetracked by this squabble. They knew what their priorities were. They say again - "We will give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word." Note the order. These leaders had the wisdom and courage to say "NO". This task will have to be done, but someone else will have to do it. Jesus has called us and chosen us to another area of ministry. Others must see to it that the food administration side of the fellowship is looked after responsibly. This proposal pleased the whole group.

The principles set out in these few verses could resolve many disagreements in church settings, if only we would learn the lessons given us in the Word of God. They chose seven men with Greek names. It is as if the Church is saying - 'we will give them Greek speaking men to handle the problem raised by the Greek speaking widows'. Soon the situation is under control, and peace reigns once more at mealtime.

What a wise way to handle this delicate matter. The seven are appointed by prayer and the laying on of hands. It is done openly for all to see that these are the seven men whom we are setting apart for this work and ministry.
Everybody would know who was doing what, and why - another important principle. The word of God continues to spread. The preaching of the word continues to influence many. The church continues to grow. People are changed, converted, born again, transformed. The leadership understood what was important.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Love You to Death