Acts 6:2-4 Serve the tables or pray and preach the word?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.

   Yesterday we talked about the Grecians (Hellenists) who were Jews whose native tongue was Greek and the apostles, who were Jews and tongue was Arabic.  The conflict came in that the Grecians (disciples with the apostles) felt that their poor and widows were being neglected in favor of the more traditional Hebrew-speaking Jews.

   Typical conflict in churches happen over the perception of one group verses another.  Their perception is what stirs the coals into a fire.  So........

   Acts 6: ² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
   The twelve apostles spoke to the multitude and spoke saying it was not reasonable that they (apostles) should quit sharing the word of God to "serve the tables".

   At this point they were pointing out the ministry and prayer was the priority and a resolution should be made.  So, to resolve this the apostles told the disciples (note, there is a difference from the apostles, the 12, and the disciples, who are now followers of the word) seek out seven men of good reputation, men who would be responsible for administering the charitable allocations.

   Once these men were chosen then the apostles would, once again, give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

  The first part of Acts 6:" ⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude ........"

What they said was pleasing to the crowd.  Now, a question for you----why do you think this solution was pleasing to the crowd?

   a. because the crowd had the idea    b. the apostles just guessed

   c. God led the apostles in this suggestion

   d. all of the above

What they did is well for the church of today to heed.  The church leaders today are not free to devote themselves to the two prime aspects of their ministry - PRAYER & PREACHING OF THE WORD.

   Therefore, members of the local assembly must assume positions of responsibility in order to free the pastor to do the job for which he has been called - prayer & preaching the word.

   Are you taking your share of the responsibility?  OR, are you upset when the pastor does not do what YOU THINK HE SHOULD?  We will finish the rest of 5 and go through verse 8 tomorrow.  Thanks for reading!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny