More Expansion, More Growth
Acts 6:5–7 (NASB95)
5The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.7The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:5-7 describes the selection and commissioning of the seven Hellenistic leaders and the church's subsequent growth, highlighting the early church's wisdom in addressing internal conflicts and the continued spread of the Gospel despite opposition. Notice the significance of Luke's names as the seven men were given oversight. None of them are Jewish – all of them are Hellenistic. Why? The men who were appointed over the task knew the culture and the people that they would be serving. What an effective way to handle a problem. The same model should be used inside our modern Church by assigning people to serve in specific areas based on their particular capabilities.
This would have resonated with Luke's audience, particularly those in the Diaspora. This moment demonstrates the church's willingness to incorporate diverse leadership. This is particularly evident in the inclusion of Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. This inclusion foreshadows the expanding mission to the Gentiles, which will become a major theme in the later chapters of Acts.
The seven chosen men were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them, commissioning them for their new roles. This act of laying on hands, drawing on Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions, symbolized the impartation of authority and blessing. This same practice is observed in other examples, such as Moses commissioning Joshua. The apostles focused on prayer and the ministry of the word, demonstrating the crucial balance between spiritual leadership and practical service.
You should read verse 7 as a direct result of how the apostles handled the situation in verses 1-6. Because of their sensitivity to all in the Church and their inclusive approach to delegation, the Church expanded. This growth, despite the earlier persecution and the ongoing tension with the religious authorities, demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the early church as well.
The early church's approach to resolving internal conflict and empowering new leaders offers valuable lessons for the church today. We, too, should be sensitive to the needs of all members of our communities, particularly those who may be marginalized or overlooked. Like the apostles, we should be willing to delegate responsibilities and empower others to serve, ensuring that all have the opportunity to contribute their gifts and talents. We must also prioritize both the ministry of the word and practical service, recognizing that both are essential for the health and growth of the church.
Some Churches approach the situation by saying, “Here is what our Church does. If you like what we do, come join us.” However, the opening verses of Chapter Six do not show this. Instead, the church adapts to the community’s needs while staying grounded in scripture and prayer. Are you as adaptable as the apostles were? Or do we get stuck expecting the Church to operate as we expect it to? The former approach leads to growth; the latter does not.
At JMC, who are we NOT serving (inside the Church or within the community)? How can we start serving those that we are overlooking? What changes might this require as we go about our ministry?
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight