Acts 6: The Challenge with Change
But as the
believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The
Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying
that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of
food. Acts 6:1 NLT
New problems
call for new leadership
So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We
apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food
program. And so, brothers, select
seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will
give them this responsibility. Then
we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 6:2-4 NLT
Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man
full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the
apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. Acts 6:5-6 NLT
Small things lead to big things
In the life of
the church
So
God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in
Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Acts 6:7 NLT
Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many
new believers. Acts 12:24 NLT
So
the Lord’s message spread throughout that region. Acts 13:49 NLT
So
the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect. Acts 19:20
NLT
In our own
lives….
Stephen,
a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among
the people. Acts 6:8 NLT
“If
you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if
you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater
responsibilities. Luke 16:10 NLT
Work for Oneness
“I am praying not
only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through
their message. I pray that they
will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am
in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. John
17:20-21 NLT