Acts 6 – The Prototype for Deacons
Introduction:
There was extraordinary love & unity among 1st century Christians. See Acts 2:44-45; 4:32; 34-35. Self sacrificing love is the essence of the Christian life. In Acts 6:1, the continuous outpouring of love & service continued. This job demanded considerable time, effort, money. But. Hellenistic widows were being neglected. Something had to be done – or church faced certain division. In 6:1-6, the Apostles acted & solved the problem. There are lessons from Acts 6 – let’s discuss them.
I. The "7" in Acts 6 were not the original deacons.
Servants? Yes. Engaged in special, temporary task.
Diakonos is never used in Acts 6 to designate the office of the 7 men.
In 21:8 – Luke identifies Philip as 1 of the 7 – not as a deacon.
In short…the task of these men was:
Acts 4:34-35, 37, 5:2 – collect money & goods contributed to needy.
Acts 4:35 – distribute money to needy. Fairly and justly.
To respond to the problem w/the proper oversight was absolutely right.
The family of God should not be mismanaged.
God should receive our best effort, energy, and skill!
II. Acts 6 is a great example of delegation of authority.
6:2b-4 – the apostles delegated this task to the 7
The "7" were responsible for following through on their expectations.
Elderships today need to have complete confidence that when they delegate a task – that the task will be carried out on a reasonable time schedule.
Once the task has been given – elders need to back up the deacons.
Member w/an objection? Take it to the "7" not the apostles.
a) Only when this failed – was he to go to apostles.
b) We would do well today to follow this pattern.
Critics must be sent directly to the criticized!
Men in Acts 6 – given an awesome task. These men handled the affair!
III. Acts 6 is a great example of church participation.
6:3, 5 – apostles did not select the "7" – the church did.
Members had a keen responsibility in the decision making process.
The widows were the people’s responsibility.
Get involved here! No unimportant member! Remember – Eph. 4:15-16.
IV. Acts 6 shows that the "7" were optimistic & encouraging.
Those who serve should be filled with enthusiasm for God & the church!
Deacons must push, promote, and pray.
Acts 6:7-8; 8:5 – in face of persecution – Stephen & Philip did their work.
What can we learn from this?
Be optimistic, full of hope and faith and confidence!
Conclusion:
We have an incredible example in Acts 2-7 of a growing, thriving church.
When problem came, the leadership responded in the proper way.
We have great potential to be a growing, thriving church.
And…we are growing. Let’s take it to the next level!