-June 24, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Friday,
“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.”
(Acts 6:3).
The early church was growing by leaps and bounds. Souls were being saved, and as a result there were many needs that had to be addressed. It started with a complaint by some over the daily distribution of food for their widows. The Hellenists, Greek speaking Jews, said that their widows were being neglected.
The twelve took decisive action. They summoned the multitude of disciples and came up with a godly solution to this problem. The twelve were stretched so thin that they couldn’t handle waiting on tables any longer and serving food to those in need. They needed others to help them. Hence, a new group was formed which were called deacons. Deacons are servants who handle the physical workings and needs of the church.
Seven men were chosen; each one was spiritually qualified. Notice what their credentials had to be: they had to be men of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. As we read further passages in the NT, the qualifications of deacons were nearly identical with elders, the difference being in their ministry. Elders are responsible for the shepherding and the spiritual needs of the congregation.
• Of Good Reputation – They had to be men who were mature, knowledgeable, and well respected in the church for their example. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 gives a complete description of deacons. The standard for deacons was very high and not to be taken lightly.
• Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom – To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit, to be godly, spiritually minded believers. They had to put the Lord first in their lives and manage their households wisely. They had to not just know the Word but know how to apply it to their daily lives and obey the Lord in all things.
Deacons were servants, and every believer should serve the Lord. These qualities are something all of us should strive to achieve: to be genuine, sincere, godly servants, filled with the Holy Spirit and power. It is so important to be examples before others.
The apostles recognized an issue, discussed it, prayed over it, and took action. It is the same way we should handle issues and problems in our lives and in our families. They took input and reached a consensus and it resulted in a good change.
Have a blessed day in making good decisions based on God’s word and will. Stay safe and healthy.
Good changes are for the best, for us and for the rest.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 