Chapter 9: The Seven Deacons

Chapter 9: The Seven Deacons

"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 neglected in the daily ministration." Acts 6:1.
--The early church was made up of many classes of people, of various nationalities. At the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, "there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." Acts 2:5. Among those of the

Hebrew faith who were gathered at Jerusalem were some commonly known as Grecians, between whom and the Jews of Palestine there had long existed distrust and even antagonism.

--The cause of complaint was an alleged neglect of the Greek widows in the daily distribution of assistance.

--Any inequality would have been contrary to the spirit of the gospel, --yet Satan had succeeded in arousing suspicion.

--Summoning a meeting of the believers, the apostles were led by the Holy Spirit to outline a plan for the better organization of all the working forces of the church....seven chosen men were solemnly set apart for their duties as deacons.

--Those to whom was given the responsibility of the general oversight of the church were not to lord it over God's heritage, but, as wise shepherds, were to "feed the flock of God, . . . being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2, 3);

Only as they were united with Christ 

could the disciples hope to have 

the accompanying power of the Holy Spirit 

and the co-operation of angels of heaven.

*Solemn are the responsibilities resting upon those who are called to act as leaders in the church of God on earth.

"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33.