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Day 51: Commissioned to Serve (Acts 6:5-7)
The suggested appointment of seven men to meet the pastoral needs of the growing congregation was accepted by the whole congregation, meaning that the Hebraic group and the Hellenistic group were in agreement. Even though the Twelve did not specify from which group the seven should be selected, all seven names were Greek: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (6:5). It seems that the congregation decided that the widows should be ministered by those from their own cultural group. Given the differences between the two groups, this decision showed respect for the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows.
The group of seven were brought to the Twelve who commissioned them for their ministry by praying for them and laying hands on them (6:6). The Twelve did not pray for them to be filled with the Spirit because being filled with the Spirit was a requirement for their selection in the first place. Instead, the Twelve authorised these seven men to engage in this important ministry on behalf of the Twelve and the congregation as a whole. If this issue had not been dealt with quickly and completely, there was the potential for the congregation to be torn apart. Instead, the word of God spread, there was rapid growth in the number of disciples in Jerusalem and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (6:7). Unity was central to the spread of the Gospel.
We must also seek to preserve unity within our own congregation seeking to meet the pastoral needs of all members. DR
QuestionsReflect on the ministry to which you have been called and your commissioning for this ministry (if this has occurred). Think about the ways your ministry contributes to the life of the congregation.
How does the degree of unity which exists amongst the churches in Toowoomba help the spread of the Gospel in this region?
Loving God, help us to be a unified church under the perfect headship of Christ. Help us to recognise your calling on our lives, and exercise our ministry with wisdom and in the power of your Spirit. Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchThe suggested appointment of seven men to meet the pastoral needs of the growing congregation was accepted by the whole congregation, meaning that the Hebraic group and the Hellenistic group were in agreement. Even though the Twelve did not specify from which group the seven should be selected, all seven names were Greek: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (6:5). It seems that the congregation decided that the widows should be ministered by those from their own cultural group. Given the differences between the two groups, this decision showed respect for the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows.
The group of seven were brought to the Twelve who commissioned them for their ministry by praying for them and laying hands on them (6:6). The Twelve did not pray for them to be filled with the Spirit because being filled with the Spirit was a requirement for their selection in the first place. Instead, the Twelve authorised these seven men to engage in this important ministry on behalf of the Twelve and the congregation as a whole. If this issue had not been dealt with quickly and completely, there was the potential for the congregation to be torn apart. Instead, the word of God spread, there was rapid growth in the number of disciples in Jerusalem and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (6:7). Unity was central to the spread of the Gospel.
We must also seek to preserve unity within our own congregation seeking to meet the pastoral needs of all members. DR
QuestionsReflect on the ministry to which you have been called and your commissioning for this ministry (if this has occurred). Think about the ways your ministry contributes to the life of the congregation.
How does the degree of unity which exists amongst the churches in Toowoomba help the spread of the Gospel in this region?
Loving God, help us to be a unified church under the perfect headship of Christ. Help us to recognise your calling on our lives, and exercise our ministry with wisdom and in the power of your Spirit. Amen.