Acts 6: Deacons

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 
Stephen Is Seized
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. 
 
Meditation
God’s grace has generally gifted every believer for service and leadership in church (1 Peter 4:10). God’s design is for gifted people called to a special office to serve in a specific way. Today we see how Apostolic authority implemented the office of deacon in and for the Church.
 
The growth of the early church gives a window into God’s design for life and leadership in the 
church. As the disciples increased in number (1) and the word of God continued to increase (7) there was internal pressure that could have divided the church along ethnic fault lines. Widows of the Greek speaking Jews known as Hellenists were being neglected in care (1). The Apostles chose to delegate the role of service in the church to Spirit filled, wise men of good reputation to care for the congregation while they focused on the primary tasks of shepherding, namely prayer and the ministry of the word. The gathering of God’s people was pleased by the proposal, they prayerfully picked the men, and continued in prayer (5-6).
 
Christian leaders who attempt to do everything not only do a dis-service to everyone but they also miss the opportunity to optimize strength in service by empowering people to use the gifts Jesus has given them. As Moses learned to delegate duties to more skillfully lead Israel (Exodus 18), so too this Apostolic, strategic, division of duties communicates strength in the early church and is a signal to Christians to consider today. Wise delegation is a demonstration of unity and celebration of God’s design for His people. Some disciples are called to be deacons. All of God's people are called to discover, develop, and deploy the spiritual gifts He has entrusted to us.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you about today’s reading, especially the delegation of duties and designation of roles by the Apostles?
 
-Why is it difficult for Christian leaders to delegate and where do you identify with this tension?
 
-How does the secure identity you have in Jesus free you to find your highest and best service to Jesus AND empower you to have others do so, too?
 
Key Verse
3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.