1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
5These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch, 6whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council, 13and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenistsagainst the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
Friction will find its way into any church or fellowship. This is because those organizations are administered and run by people. God reveals a structure in this passage that shows us how people can get along better and how God uses different individuals as His instruments in coordinating the work of the Church. A complaint arose because some of the group felt that others were being treated with favoritism. In this case, a racial and social conflict arose. The Greek believers felt the Jewish widows were being favored at the expense of the Greek widows. This kind of thing happens today, and we can substitute different groups in the Greek and Hebrew slots. The Church was outgrowing the twelve disciples’ ability to manage things, and God had a plan.
There are two offices of the church described in the New Testament. The disciples were what are described as elders (or pastors or overseers), and the seven men of good report were the first deacons called to that ministry in the church. This construct was God’s way of making teaching the word the primary duty of the elders. In the Baptist church, elders/overseers/pastors are seen as the same persons performing the various tasks that they perform (1 Peter 5:1-2). God meets every need of the local church.
So, reader, what does this have to do with you? God has a purpose for you in your local church. You may be neither a pastor nor a deacon, but God considers you as a needed cog in the gearbox that runs the kingdom. All believers are called to prayer. We should be praying about anything and everything that goes on in the church. You should be seeking God’s will to use you for any and every need that arises. There are meals to be cooked. There are kitchens to be cleaned. There is trash that needs to be taken out. There are phone calls that need to be made. There are home visits that encourage and strengthen. Multiple Bible classes need to be led. Some nurseries need to be staffed. Some hedges need to be trimmed, and some lights need to be changed. There are offerings of all kinds that need to be given to effectuate the work of the Kingdom of God here on earth. Seek God’s will as to where you might be needed and fill that need! For such is the Kingdom of Heaven.