30 Days in the Bible, Day 20: Acts 6:1-7

The call of the Seven was a watershed moment in the life of the church. This isn’t just true of the church in Acts; this decision had a lasting impact in the church of Jesus Christ down to today. Some see in this event the call of the first deacons in church history. While they may not have served in exactly the same way deacons of later times did, there is certainly a significant similarity in their role. The decision of the apostles and of the church had a permanent impact on the ministry of the church.

The way they went about choosing these men has also been a guideline for future generations. The apostles saw a need, and proposed that a number of qualified men be selected to meet this need. Rather than selecting the men themselves, the apostles left the choice up to the congregation. They had to examine which of their number had the qualifications named by the apostles and the concern to see that this compassion ministry was carried out. Only after the congregation made their choice did the apostles pray over them and lay hands on them, signifying their approval of the choice.

The Seven were apparently chosen from the Hellenistic Jewish segment of the congregation, the very segment that was complaining about the way the food distribution was being done. This showed a magnanimous spirit on the part of the Hebraic Jewish members, a willingness to put their own interests aside in favor of healing any possible breach in the body of Christ. At the same time, the men chosen were approved by both segments of the church, indicating that these men were not only trustworthy but that no partisan spirit was found in them.

There is an important lesson for us in the actions of the church in Acts 6. I have been part of more than one church in which factions formed, and the main goal of each side was to get their own way, even at the expense of the rest of the congregation. This led to bitterness, division, and in some cases even the death of the church. The ministry of the church of Jesus Christ will never be carried out successfully where the congregation puts its own interests ahead of the will of God, or where selfish, partisan Christians fail to love others in their own church family.

Following the example the church left for us here, we should always look for any needs that arise in our own church family, and seek to see that these needs are met. We should have the grace and humility to set aside our own preferences in favor of solutions that will impact everyone in the church in the most positive, Christ-like way. This doesn’t mean tolerating sin and error (that’s the story in Acts 5), but it may mean tolerating doing ministry in ways that might not be our first choice.

When the church is living in harmony, meeting the needs of its members, and promoting the good news of Jesus Christ over any personal agendas, not only will the church run more smoothly, but Jesus will be honored. The world looks at the church with suspicion, thinking we’re just out to judge everyone else and ruin their fun. If those around us see genuine love and compassion in action, along with a spirit of cooperation, they may start questioning their own understanding of what the church is. When that happens, we can give them the good news, and see them desire to be part of the loving family of God through Jesus Christ.