By Andrew Williams
“But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.’ Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:1-6 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this passage, the early church faces a practical issue: the rapid growth of believers led to logistical challenges, specifically a complaint about the unequal treatment of widows in the daily food distribution. This moment of tension threatened to divide the community, but the apostles demonstrated wisdom and leadership by addressing the problem head-on. Instead of ignoring the issue or attempting to handle it themselves, they involved the community, delegating the responsibility to qualified individuals.
The seven men chosen were known to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Their character and spirituality were as important as their ability to handle the task. This decision allowed the apostles to remain focused on prayer and teaching the Word while ensuring that the physical needs of the community were met. The result was a resolution that honored both the unity of the church and the mission of spreading the Gospel.
This passage reminds us that serving in the body of Christ requires both spiritual maturity and practical wisdom. It also highlights the importance of every role in the church—whether teaching, praying, or distributing food—as essential to the health and growth of God’s kingdom.
This passage empowers us to see that every task in the church, from preaching to practical service, is vital to the body of Christ. It redirects our focus from viewing certain roles as more important than others to recognizing that God calls each of us to serve according to the gifts and wisdom He has given us. Like Stephen and the others chosen, we are called to serve with faith, humility, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whatever role God places us in, we can glorify Him by serving with excellence and unity.
This week, take a moment to evaluate how you are serving in your church or community. Are there areas where your gifts and wisdom can be used to meet practical needs? If you’re already serving, ask God to fill you with His Spirit and wisdom to carry out your responsibilities with grace and humility. Redirect your focus from comparing your role to others to embracing the unique way God has called you to serve. If you’re not yet serving, prayerfully consider how you might step into a role that supports the body of Christ and advances His kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for showing me that every act of service in Your kingdom matters. I praise You for the example of the early church, where unity and wisdom were used to meet both spiritual and practical needs. Help me to embrace the role You’ve called me to with faith, humility, and the guidance of Your Spirit. Redirect my focus from comparison or hesitation to a heart eager to serve wherever You lead me. May my service bring glory to You and strengthen the unity of Your church. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
