INTRODUCTION

1. The Founding of the Church

a) In Jerusalem

b) 12 Apostles

c) Just 120 members Acts 1:15

2. The Fast pace of growth

a) 3000 souls were added Acts 2:41

b) 5000 men (not counting the women) Acts 4:4

 

A SPECIAL MINISTRY

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against

the Hebrews by the Hellenists because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,

“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation,

full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-4

1. The number of disciples was still multiplying

a) The church in Jerusalem had continued to grow strongly

b) This was a good and wonderful thing to note

2. A ministry of caring for the physical needs of widows

a) Hebrew speaking Jews

b) Greek speaking Jews

c) The latter were neglected

3. The problem was brought to the attention of the Apostles

a) The Twelve summoned all members

b) They wanted the church to be involved in resolving this problem

4. The solution offered

a) The apostles would concentrate on:

i) The ministry of the word of God

ii) Prayer

b) More leaders were needed

c) Qualities of leaders specified

i) Men of good reputation

ii) Full of the Holy Spirit

iii) And wisdom

d) These would be appointed

e) This was well-pleasing to the church

 

SPIRITUAL LEADERS FOUND

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,

and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem,

and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:5-7

1. Seven men were found

2. Stephen stood out among the Seven

a) A man full of faith

b) And of the Holy Spirit

3. These were presented to the Twelve Apostles

4. They were prayed for

5. They were duly appointed to look after the ministry of the widows

 

RESULTS OF THIS ADDITIONAL TEAM OF SPIRITUAL LEADERS

1. The word of God spread

a) The Apostles devoted themselves to the ministry of the word

b) This ministry is challenging to develop:

i) Knowledge

ii) Wisdom

iii) Skill

c) Making of disciples

i) This was a clear focus

ii) It takes much time to make disciples

iii) The Apostles were effective in their ministry

2. Disciples in Jerusalem

a) The number of disciples multiplied

b) Many priests also came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ

c) In the days of the Lord Jesus, these resisted the Lord Jesus and all He stood for

 

CONCLUSION

1. Our ministry as a Church

a. To preach and teach

b. To make disciples

c. To train people for spiritual leadership

2. Our needs

a. For godly leaders to arise

b. For more to consider the ministries of the Church

c. To desire to see further growth in the Bethany family