The Bible is such a realistic Book. And even early in the Acts of the Apostles (the New Testament’s Book of history) that reality is seen. Two problems in a row, three if you consider persecution from outside!

First … the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira, Acts chapter 5, an issue which God solved by himself! (Death to the liars!)

Followed immediately by one of two subsets in the early Church “grumbling” over an issue! “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 being neglected ….” Acts 6:1, Jews who had Hellenized, adopted a few Greek (Grecian) customs. Feeling that they had been slighted by Church leaders (the Apostles) over financial aid (or material provision, like food). And perhaps other such legitimate needs.

But this time God does not miraculously step in to alleviate the problem. He lets His people do so. Here’s the wise result, the Apostles outlining the plan: “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.” Acts 6:3, godly, proven men within the Church.

And such Brethren were readily found … “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.” More Greek names than Hebrew names, by the way! Talk about deference! Talk about yielding to your Brother, when possible! Acts 6:5

And these me will do what? “Serve tables!” With the verb “serve” being (Greek) “diakoneo,” from the noun “diakonos.” The etymological source of our word “deacon!” It’s actually from a root verb meaning “to run errands!” Yes, we here have the first “deacons” in the Church!

But …. why couldn’t the Apostles take care of this? Men endowed with doses (maybe mega-doses) of Holy Ghost Wisdom?

The reason is clearly given … “It is not reason (an adjective meaning ‘pleasing’ to God) that we should leave the word of God,” and … solve this problem. They did not want to de-emphasize the Word of God! Or spend less time in prayer and Bible study!

Worded differently … give us Preachers a few good, functioning deacons … in order that “We may give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4, with the verb “to give continually” (Greek “proskartereo”) meaning “to be STRONG towards a matter!” The root is “kratos.” Mighty in the Word of God!

Wow!

Deacons … to care for the more trivial (but not unimportant) matters of business. Such as caring for the widows.

But Preachers, Pastors … to give themselves more fully to prayer and the Word of God!

A formula that God still blesses!

Then what?

The grumbling apparently ceased!

All the widows were happy again, and their needs adequately met!

And then verse 7, subsequently … “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.”

Genuine Revival!

Complaining can kill the spirit of Revival!

While joy and peace can be a catalyst of Revival!

Amazing!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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