BULLETIN ARTICLE – 8 April 2018
It was very exciting times for the early Jerusalem Church as many responded to the message: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Thousands upon thousands were added to the church – “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). The Twelve Apostles found out that they had a massive “admin” problem on their hands. Money was fast coming into the church for “from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostle’s feet” (Acts 4:34). Different sections in the church – Hellenistic Jews vs Hebraic Jews – started to complain of being overlooked in the services provided for the needy. The Twelve realised that in their demanding spiritual leadership roles they were not able to also handle these matters of church administration by themselves. The many needy members, especially the widows and orphans of the church, required special practical care and support. Provision of food and shelter – “wait on tables” – is just as important as providing spiritual food. Hence, the Twelve decided to get the church members to choose seven men to administer the practical needs of the church. The Twelve can then “give attention to prayer and ministry of the word.”
The qualifications of the Seven are for men who are known to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Being full of the Spirit means having the nature of the Holy Spirit, filled with the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. Foremost is having the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22). Such are men of ability and courage, honest and trustworthy, exercising fairness over the equitable distribution of food and goods. In a similar situation in OT times, Moses was advised by Jethro, his father in law, the principle of delegation and how to “select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain“ (Ex 18:21). They must be full of wisdom – acting with discretion, justly and with full consideration, seeking the best for all without favouritism. They are dependable, committed and reliable.
These selection principles of Jethro and the Twelve for good people in leadership positions were used by the early churches when they chose deacons to hold office in the churches. These deacons are to be “worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (1Tim 3:8-9). The conduct of God’s leaders in the church represents the pillar and foundation of God’s truth and from which true godliness can be seen by all. We serve an absolutely holy God and we seek holiness and integrity in those who choose to serve as leaders in God’s household.
