122 Chosen by Men, Commissioned by God

Acts 6:1-15, TBC Book Two, Chapter 122
As the number of disciples increased, so also did the church’s growing pains. Two groups emerged among the believers. The Grecian Jews (Hellenists), born outside of Palestine, spoke Greek and grew up embracing Greek culture, while the Hebraic Jews spoke Aramaic and/or Hebrew and maintained their ancient Jewish customs. It wasn’t long before conflicts arose.

The church provided for those in their fellowship who were needy, but growing complaints reached the apostles concerning the food distributed to widows. Grecian Jews insisted that their widows were being overlooked. So the apostles called a meeting of all the disciples.

Then one of the Twelve rose and said, “It would not be right for us to stop our ministry of teaching to oversee daily distribution of food. So, my brothers, here is what we propose: Select seven men from among you who are full of the Spirit and gifted with wisdom. We will turn this ministry over to them so that we can devote ourselves to prayer and ministering the word.”

Their proposal pleased everyone. So the disciples chose seven men, all Grecian Jews: Stephen, a man of great faith and full of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. Then they presented them to the apostles, who laid hands on them in prayer. Their appointment was devised to solve a problem—but the Spirit had more in mind. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 122, for the rest of the story.)
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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Even a spirit-filled life—especially a spirit-filled life—will face evil’s tactics of deceit, deception, distraction, and division.
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.’ ” John 15:20 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Walk with You  Della Reese     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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