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Sunday Worship 23 June 2024 : Seven Men Of Good Reputation

Text: Acts 6
23 June 2024

REVIEW OF ACTS 1-5

1. The Book of Acts
What the Apostles did, as recorded by the writer Luke

a. Acts 1 – it started with what Peter said and did
b. Acts 3 – Luke noted not only Peter, but John alongside

2. They spoke, reached out with the power of the Spirit

a. They spoke with great boldness
b. It was obvious that they were with the Lord Jesus
c. They were committed to teaching and preaching

3. The Lord blessed (His hand was upon them)

a. The Lord added to the church
b. The believers were of one heart and one soul

UNDERSTANDING ACTS 6

1. A transition noted by the writer Luke

2. Not only were the apostles in action, others began to be involved as well

3. Not only just the twelve, but there were now seven men of good reputation

PROBLEMS WITHIN THE CHURCH

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

Acts 6:1

1. As the number of the disciples grow within a church, problems are to be expected

2. A problem in the early church

There was a dispute between the Hebrews and the Hellenists
a. The Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
b. Because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution

3. A further examination of the problem

a. Situational
There could have been an increasing number of widows; too much for the apostles to handle
b. Organizational
Because of a lack of organization/ process, the Hellenist widows could have been mistakenly missed out
c. Personal
There were ongoing differences between the Hebrews and the Hellenists
i. The Hebrews were Jews who spoke exclusively Aramaic
ii. The Hellenists were Jews who spoke Greek, influenced Greco-Roman Culture
iii. There were obvious language, social and cultural differences

THE CHOOSING OF THE RIGHT PEOPLE

2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:2-4

1. The solution to the problem

a. Not to limit the number of disciples who wished to join the church
b. Nor for the apostles to attend to such matters directly
For they will need to give attention to:
i. Prayer
ii. Ministry of the word
c. But choosing the right people to handle such problems
i. Seven men were sought out
ii. To be appointed over this business

2. The criteria of the seven that were chosen

a. A disciple (chosen from among the brethren)
b. Willing to do humble work (serve tables)
c. Good reputation
d. Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom

3. The result of choosing these seven men

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:7
a. The whole multitude was pleased.  (Acts 6:5)
b. The word of God spread
c. The number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem
d. A great many of the priests were obedient to the faith

THE OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF STEPHEN

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Acts 6:8-10

1. The example of Stephen was highlighted

2. He became one who was full of faith and power

3. He did great wonders and signs among the people

4. Even when people tried to dispute against him, they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke

5. He was able to give a lengthy and comprehensive defense of the Lord Jesus, when placed before a council    (Acts 7)

6. He eventually became the first Christian martyr

OUR APPLICATION

1. We must realize that the church cannot continue to develop with only a handful of people

2. We must find the right people who will be able to help

3. We can then look forward to the result of God’s blessings