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Sermon Introduction

The early church encountered a minor problem, leading to more significant issues if not addressed. Most likely, the rapid growth of the church caused the neglect. However, it is also possible that there were prejudicial undertones. The apostles addressed the issue by identifying the problem, revisiting their priorities, and involving the church community in creating the solution. Every church that experiences growth will encounter problems. Thus, every community must have cooperation and good leadership.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Acts 6:1-7 ESV

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.4

Notes

The early church encountered a minor problem, leading to more significant issues if not addressed. Most likely, the rapid growth of the church caused the neglect. However, it is also possible that there were prejudicial undertones. The apostles addressed the issue by identifying the problem, revisiting their priorities, and involving the church community in creating the solution. Every church that experiences growth will encounter problems. Thus, every community must have cooperation and good leadership.

1. The early church experienced some growing pains. The Hellenistic Jews complained about the neglect of food distribution to their widows. The apostles were in charge with probably the help of Hebraic volunteers (6:1).

2. The apostles recognized the problem. However, they solved the problem by first identifying their priorities. Then, the apostles communicated their priorities, prayer, and teaching the word (6:2,4).

3. The apostles involved the whole church in solving the problem. First, the apostles presented the proposal to pick men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. Then the church affirmed the proposal. They picked seven men (6:3,5-7).

Application

1. The church community must identify problems that may cause division because of neglect. One of our strategies is the small group strategy; the leader acts like the seven men. Yet, the leader must exercise caution in all things.

2. Our priorities are the same as the apostles, prayer and teaching the word. We must proclaim the gospel to the lost and teach those who believe. And in all things, we should pray. The pastors and elders should spearhead the priorities.

3. One solution to most problems in the church is qualified men. By qualified, we refer to the text, which says, good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom. Therefore, with good men and women, we must delegate the work.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What was the problem? Explain thoroughly.

2. How did the apostles approach the problem?

3. What were the results?

4. How may we apply the lessons in our context?