The physician Luke wrote, “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. 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”, and in chapter six and verse three of the book of Acts Luke shared how the disciples said, “look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” where we read:
Wherefore, brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
The verse begins, “Wherefore, brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, ...” Luke began with the words, “wherefore, brethren” which means “therefore, then and on this account, brothers who were fellow believers in Jesus and united to each other by the bond of affection” “look you out among you” or “search, seek and examine within your own selves” “seven men of honest report” which means “seven male human beings who have an honorable testimony and good report”. Luke shared how the twelve disciples instructed the other brothers and believers in Jesus to search among themselves for “seven men” who had a good reputation and were honorable.
The verse goes on to say, “... full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Luke continued with the words, “full of the Holy Ghost” which means “filled completely with the pure, sacred, morally blameless and religiously and ceremonially consecrated third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit who is coequal and co-eternal with God the Father and Christ the Son” “and wisdom” or “and broad and full of intelligence and uses knowledge in diverse matters”, “whom we may appoint” which means “that we, the twelve disciples, might set, put, place, constitute and ordain” “over this business” or “in a position above the need, duty and service to the widows”. Luke shared how the “seven men” chosen were to be filled with “God's Holy Spirit” and “wisdom”, and these would be given authority “over” the service to the widows.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “twelve disciples” knew the importance of “delegating” responsibilities within the church. If they were to manage every detail, they would not have time to study of God's word and pray. The appointment of the “seven men” was essentially the selection of the first “deacons” in the church, and because it was necessary for “widows” and other people with needs to receive ministering, these “seven men” needed “spiritual qualities” such as an “honest report or integrity”, to be filled with God's Holy Spirit, and to have the “wisdom” of God to manage such affairs. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to pay for the sins of all mankind, and when they receive Him as their “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and allow them to be a functioning part of His church. Let all who read these words know and see the importance of receiving Jesus and ministering for Him.
Next time Luke shares how the disciples say, “we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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