v1 FIRST CHURCH GROWTH PROBLEM – FEEDING
The Helenestic Jews (Greek oriented Jews) started speaking up against the Hebraic (native) Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
The twelves’ response: “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.”
They did not come across as compassionate for the widows. They came across with compassion for God’s word. It takes precedence. So, let’s figure out a solution here, cause the Word must be preached.
Their answer: Select 7 Men who are:
1) Of them
2) Of good reputation
3) full of the Spirit
4) full of wisdom
5) capable of being put in charge
v4 The 12 then DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO PRAYER AND TO THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD. Stay true to what God calls you to, even when circumanstances around you seem tough and needs are great. But, make sure that things are taken care of. Do not neglect those other items; delegate. See them accomplished, but stay true.
v6 “And these they brought before the apostles; and AFTER PRAYING, THEY LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM.
The response in both cases: addressing the problem and addressing the solution involved a group effort of illiciting a response and then prayer. Man fixed it, God blessed it.
v7 The result: ‘The Word of God KEPT ON SPREADING; AND THE NUMBER OF DISCIPLES CONTINUED TO INCREASE GREATLY IN JERUSALEM,” and A GREAT MANY OF THE PRIESTS WERE BECOMING OBEDIENT TO THE FAITH.
This is no light matter. We have the multitudes coming to Christ and the religious spirit being broken. The Spirit of God was moving. Yes, there were growing pains. Yes, they had to react. But, they did so in prayer. They saw the task, they made a decision, and then the prayed for God to bless it. And the heavenly objective continued to be the priority. Man’s issues of provision and orchestration were secondary. Those things needed to be done, and they were done, but God had a bigger purpose.
A “great many” of the priests were becoming obedient. This is a massive heart change from the religious system of the time. To move away from the law meant being cast out of the synagogue. And, this was happening in droves. The spirit of religion often clouds our eyes. It keeps us from seeing God in action and believing in what He is up to and Who He is. The religious missed out on Jesus being the Messiah.
The poor are the beneficiaries.