“Multiplication And Division”
Acts 6:1-7
If one way will not slow them down or stop them, then Satan will use whatever he can.
In chapter 5 we saw the attempt to stop the work of God by threatening and beatings.
Now we see another attempt by internal strife.
I. An Observation
Vs. 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.”
With growth come challenges.
This is still true today; just when you think what could possible go wrong, Satan shows up to show us.
Grecians - NON Jew
Hebrews - Jewish people
Isn’t it just like Satan to remind people; “you may be a Christian but you are still less than a Jew.”
This was later explained when Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Theodore Roosevelt, Address to the Knights of Columbus
New York City- October 12th, 1915
"There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all."
"This is just as true of the man who puts "native" before the hyphen as of the man who puts German or Irish or English or French before the hyphen. Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul. Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. We must unsparingly condemn any man who holds any other allegiance."
It was true in Acts chapter 6 and it is still true today!
I am not a Grecian-Christian, nor are there Messianic- Jews.
You are either IN Christ or not.
I do not need a separate identification.
It should be said there are some who need attention that have been overlooked, not “Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected…”
II. An Oratory
Vs. 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.”
The Apostles spoke as one concerning this subject.
22 years ago I was attending a Camp Meeting; and spoke to the pastor running it about the showers in need of attention. He replied, “If God showed it to you, then perhaps you need to help fix it.” “Yes sir, when is work week again?”
III. An Order
Vs. 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.”
Why seven (7)?
Some may make an observation that 7 is the number for completion because the Lord made the earth is 6 days and the 7th he rested.
Not against it but sense there is no explanation, it should be understood that seven (7) MEN could get the jobs done that needed to be addressed.
Seven men, of honest report;- Trustworthy. Proved and tried.
Full of the Holy Ghost, of wisdom; - they were to be men, not only that had the Spirit of God in them, but who were identified for their rich experiences of grace.
Whom we may appoint - Whom we may set over this business.
I was asked not long ago, “what is the job of a deacon?”
They were and are used to work with the needs of the church families so that the Pastor may remain in His studies of God’s Word.
They are not to run the church nor are they the overseers of the pastor, to make sure he is staying busy.
The idea of overseers is a denomination thing and I do not and will not be in a denomination.
I am Baptist by Doctrine (teaching) not Denominationally.
IV. An Organization
Vs. 4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
Give ourselves continually - The original expression used here denotes “intense and persevering” application to a thing, or unwearied effort in it.
to the ministry of the word - To preaching the gospel, or communicating the message of eternal life to the world.
The word “ministry” (diakonia) properly identifies a “servant,” and is given to the preachers of the gospel because they are employed in this as the “servants” of God and of the church.
I am not employed by the church, but I am supported, Scripturally by the ministry so that I may spend my time in the Word of God.
The pastor does not work one day a week, but works at all times in ministering / serving and studying of God Word.
V. An Ovation
Vs. 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:”
That which was said was well received.
VI. An Obligation
Vs. 6 “Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.”
And when they had prayed - Invoking in this manner the blessing of God to bless them in the discharge of the duties of their office.
They laid their hands ... - Among the Jews it was customary to lay hands on the head of a person who was set apart to any particular office
This was done, not to impart any power or ability, but to “designate” or acknowledge that they received their authority or commission from those who laid their hands on them.
VII. An Opportunity
Vs. 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.”
The word of God increased - The gospel was more and more successful
The number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly -
When we do something God’s way we receive God’s blessings.
And a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. –
Who are the “priest” here?
Christians, because, purified by the blood of Christ and brought into close interaction with God, they devote their life to him alone and to Christ.
The Bible teaches that all believers in Christ are priests in their own right. The main passage that deals with the priesthood of all believers is 1 Peter 2:5-10 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
Conclusion:
It is intended by the Lord that a Church should grow, and it is sad when the Devil gets in the middle to cause division.
Are you part of God’s family?
Then you ought to be part of a New Testament Church.
