Acts Chapter 6 - A Model to Follow

I am approaching my reading of the Book of Acts from the perspective that it may be a model of an active church during politically contentious times. In chapter 6, the apostles were distracted by the physical needs of the people. In order to keep their focus on teaching and preaching, as Jesus has instructed them, they delegated. Two ideas strike me: 1) They did not ignore or dismiss the need, and 2) They emphasized the type of volunteer that was needed to facilitate meeting the need.

The apostles did not avoid meeting the physical needs of people thereby forcing another group to address the problem. In 2009, we know that when humans' basic needs are not addressed, they will be unable to deal with higher-order needs. Basic needs can not always be completely met, but they often can be sufficiently addressed to a point that people can experience the love and support they need to live. The apostles did not have the scientific evidence we currently know; they had the all-sufficient knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit's leading.

The apostles did not expect the government to meet the needs of the people. In fact, they specified qualifications for leading in the capacity of distributing food to the needy. Volunteers must be well-respected, full of the Holy Spirit, and wise. The apostles chose 7 men, and Stephen was among them. He was described as, "a man full of God's grace and power, (he) did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people" (Act 6: 8, NIV).

Stephen met opposition, and some men slandered him, forcing Stephen to testify before the religious leaders. As the lies about Stephen were presented, read what happened: "At this point, everyone in the council stared at Stephen because his face became as bright as an angels" (Acts 6:15, NLT). Does this remind you of anything? Here's a clue - my second memory verse of 2009, Psalm 37:6-7 (NIV): "He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn; the justice of your causes like the noon day sun." Whoa - what a testimony of God's Truth!!! Some of you knowwhat is going to happen to Stephen, and it is not pretty.... But, remember the next verse in Psalm 37? Here is a reminder: "Do not fret when men succeed in their ways; when they carry out their wicked schemes." Whoa - I don't know about you, but I am enthralled with is series of events. My NLT Study Bible says that the religious leaders stoned Stephen because they believed he was speaking irreverently about God. "They did not understand Stephen's words were True because they were not seeking Truth. They only wanted to support their own views." Whoa!

The Truths I am experiencing in this passage are:

1. Meeting the physical needs of people is important to God.
2. There are specific qualifications necessary to serve in this capacity on His behalf.
3. It is unacceptable to expect those without these qualifications to meet these needs in God-honoring ways.
4. Having these qualifications, and obeying God, does not equal full understanding, fair treatment, and justice for all.
5. Sinful humans will succeed in some plans on earth.
6. Even religious leaders may not understand Truth because they are not truly seeking Truth.

Interesting stuff, huh? I am closing with my current memory verse (which is not yet commited to memory):

"So my advise is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39, NLT).