Addressing Ministry Needs

Acts 6:1-7 – 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. 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. 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. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 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: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 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 Grecian widows were being neglected in the daily ministration. They had a need that wasn’t being met, so they addressed it. When the murmuring of the Grecian widows came to the attention of the twelve, the called the multitude of disciples unto them to discuss the matter further.

As we continue to read, we will discover that as the Grecian widows had a need, so did the twelve apostles.

1. The twelve had their priorities straight. After bringing the people together, the twelve told them that it was not for them to leave the word of God to serve tables. Prior to Jesus’ ascension, He gave them a command (or commission) to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…(Matthew 28:19-20). This was their greatest priority at this moment. They were intent on fulfilling Jesus’ command.

2. The twelve did not apologize for their priorities. They did not feel bad about stating they could not accomplish or solve the issue themselves (with their own hand or service). Had the twelve decided to leave the word of God, their work as witnesses through the Holy Spirit could be maligned. God’s priorities was their priorities…and without apology. They lived to please and glorify Him.

3. The twelve made provision for the issue to be resolved. Rather than tell the people, ‘we’re not doing it’ and leaving, they resolved a means for the daily ministration to the Grecian widows to be accomplished. They asked the disciples among them to appoint seven men. These seven would not be friends or popular associates in the group. The men to be selected would be those most suited to ensure the task was done correctly, fairly, and with integrity unto the Lord. They were choosing people they already knew to be of a honest report and filled with the Holy Ghost and wisdom. With choosing such men from among them, the Grecians and Hebrews would know they were being treated fairly of the Lord’s standard.

The twelve’s decision pleased the people. The disciples were not concerned whether or not the twelve performed the ministration, but rather that their need was properly addressed and handled.

4. The twelve stuck to their task at hand. As others would be appointed over the business of daily ministration, the twelve would give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Among the community of believers, they understood what their role was (as given from the Lord) and gave themselves to it fully. Their purpose was a continuous dedication to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

5. The seven were selected and appointed. As the disciples chose the seven men from among them, they were brought before the twelve. The twelve prayed and laid hands on them. These events signify their approval and commission (or ordaining) of their service among the community. The disciples witnessed their approval and commission to ensure no further problems or questions would arise as to the seven’s approval, rights, and authority or among them.

6. Everyone benefited. After the seven are appointed, the word of God increased, along with the number of disciples multiplying in Jerusalem greatly. Even a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Great things were accomplished when everyone’s needs and priorities were addressed and properly accordingly. There is a way in the Lord that the needs of everyone can be met when people of faith allow the Lord to rest, rule, and abide in their affairs. Where the nature of the world and our enemy is allowed to exist, strife, envy, and every wicked work will soon follow as our witness could become a shadow of what it once was, could, or should be.

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