Deacons
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
The Greek Christians, Hellenists, were Jews born outside of Palestine, or those of liberal worldly views, like the Saducees. They thought their widows were being neglected. Ever notice how complaints go out when someones needs are not being met by another? We are to be servants of one another, yet some would rather be served then to serve. Meeting needs of the Church is an honor and a privelege.
Once again the unity is broken as two sides break apart. How often the devil comes to the fleshly needs of God's people to cause disagreements and grumblings. Would God make examples of the complainers, as he did to the sinning Ananias and Saphira?
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Like Moses before them, they were finding there was just too much to do. They were called to build on the foundation of Christ, which required much study and writing of the word of God as the Spirit directed. They were not just to serve tables with fish and bread. They were to give Spiritual bread and meat for hungry souls. The disciples needed both food for the body and food for the soul.
Instead of being distracted, they chose to meet the needs in another way.
Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
They were to choose seven Spiritual men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and the wisdom of God. This was a high requirment in order to just serve tables. Deacons were chosen to serve the people and also meet their spiritual needs. Although they were not called "deacons," they fit the description given by Paul to Timothy;
1 Tim 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1 Tim 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Tim 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
1 Tim 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Tim 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Seven men were chosen to serve. Seven is the number of perfection and completion. In seven days God completed the creation and rested.
Moses chose seventy men to help him with settling disputes and judging of the people. Seventy is the number of restoration and rest. One man cannot do everything and be everywhere. Only God can do this.
Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
This was the greater need, prayer and the ministry of the word. Prayer makes the impossible possible. Prayer in God's will moves the hand of God. How often we are without personal ability to overcome a problem. This is when we must pray and read the word of God. The word of God may have the answer we were looking for. The word and prayer are powerful together. The word gives us a promise, we believe the promise which gives us the faith to ask God, knowing that he keeps his promises and our prayer is answered.
Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
The divided church was pleased with this saying. Stephen led the list and would soon be singled out for persecution.
Acts 6:6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
The laying on of hands was to impart a gift, a blessing on a ministry from God. Let's look at four other places where this is mentioned.
Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
2 Tim 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
There were many new converts to Christianity, including many of the Jewish priests. This because the church was once again in one accord and filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Stephen, full of faith, he believed in God and his work. Full of power, from the Holy Ghost that filled him. The trigger was set, his work of ministry brought many needs before him, perhaps sickness, bad spirits, poverty, these accompany the people because of the curse brought on all men through Adam. But, Jesus breaks the curses, through belief in his word and the power of the Holy Ghost the grace of God is sent forth and we and others are set free with wonders and miracles. Do you have a problem that is too big for you? Wondeful, by the word of faith and by the Spirit a great miracle shall be brought forth. Give glory to God!
Zec 4:6 ...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
When ever God is moving, Satan will try to block the move through his servants. Saul probably was a part of the Silicians, each place mentioned was the home of the people in attendance. Remember all were to come to the temple in Jerusalem to have their sacrifices. The Libertines, " freethinkers especially in religious matters" (Webster's) These were liberals, not accepting miracles.
As is the pattern throughout the Bible, the flesh man opposes the Spiritual man. Paul gave us the example of this;
Gal 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Like Jesus, he too was full of God's widom. Who said Christians are stupid?
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit's witness through the believers;
Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Acts 6:11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
Acts 6:12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
Acts 6:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
Once again the unbelieving liberals of the synagogue , in the name of the law, break many laws to destroy the one of faith. As with Jesus they hired false witnesses, and again they stirred up the people in false piety.
They accused Stephen in front of the council of speaking against the law and the temple, as they did also to Jesus and to Peter. Because of the popularity of Peter and the disciples, thy dared not kill them. But, this was a lowly deacon, servant of tables, they would accuse this lowly one of heresy.
Acts 6:15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Surrounded by darkness, Stephens face glowed with innocence and the presence of God. He was at peace, by faith, in the midst of a storm. He no doubt received the promise of Jesus;
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Peace that is not dependant on the world or its safety, but of God.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Stephen would face his accusers with the peace that comes only from God.
Gary
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