Bible Studies
The Service of Leadership – Part 1 (Acts 5:42-6:7)
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. As most of you know we are in the process of selecting new deacons. 2. In the January, February, March quarter of our auditorium Bible class we focused attention on the subject under the title “The Leadership of Service.” 3. It has been suggested that we do a brief overview for those unable to participate in those classes. 4. This lesson and the one next Sunday morning will do this. 5. There are two major N.T. texts primary to the study: Acts 6 and 1 Tim. 3. 6. This lesson addresses Acts 6; the next will address 1 Tim. 3. 7. Read the text. Make seven observations.Discussion:
I. While the primary work of the church focused on preaching and teaching Jesus as the Christ, a secondary work gave consideration to the care of their widows.A. This is evidenced by the two bookends of the text: 5:42 and 6:7.
B. Further evidenced by the two statements.
1. “Not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables” (v. 2).
2. “Devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (v. 4).
C. While this text focuses on care for widows this is only one area in which their care was manifested (cf. Acts 2:42; 4:34; et. al.).
D. While care for those in need is a critical work it is not the primary focus of the work of the church. It is not appropriate to neglect the word of God while commending the good work of caring for the needy. Caring for people first involves communicating the word of God and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
II. This care was an on-going part of the work of the Christians in Jerusalem and elsewhere (ex. Ephesus).A. Native Hebrews were already being served daily before the complaint about the Hellenistic widows.
B. The Hellenistic widows were also to be served.
C. Additional instruction is given in 1 Tim. 5:3-16.
III. Such service seems to be a primary concern for deacons.A. While the word “deacon” is not used in this text the verb form of the word is (v. 2). A noun form is used in verse 1 referring to the service of caring for the widows.
B. If there was no official office of deacon in the church at this time this event is certainly a precursor to such an office.
C. It is a spiritual work although it involves care for physical provision. The work of deacons is not just taking care of a building. It is taking care of people.
IV. Their work is distinguished from devotion “to prayer and the ministry of the word.”A. Elders are to be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2).
1. Those who work hard at preaching and teaching are to be considered worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17).
2. Thus their work seems to be parallel to the apostles’ work in Acts 6.
B. Being able to teach is not included in the qualifications for deacons in 1 Tim. 3:8ff.
1. This does not mean that they cannot teach.
2. Two of those selected, Stephen and Philip, are well known for their teaching abilities.
3. But the work of deacons has a different focus.
V. There are special qualifications defined by the apostles.A. Good reputation (v.3).
B. Full of the Spirit and of wisdom (v. 3).
C. Full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (v. 5).
VI. The congregation was to select from among themselves and then they were publically put in charge of the task (vs. 3, 6). VII. As a result of the way the congregation functioned unity and good will prevailed, the widows were cared for and the word of God kept on spreading.Conclusion:
1. Brothers and sisters, appointing deacons is a grave task. It is not about honoring men. It is about honoring the Lord. It is about caring for those in need. It is a work of service. 2. Our objective is the work of communicating the message of God! Let’s not forget who we are and the importance of what we are doing. 3. Let us appoint those that are clear on the objective, men of good reputation that are devoted to serving the Lord and to serving His people.
