Acts 6:1-7 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews… I. THE REASON OF THEIR ELECTION. 1. The temporal necessities members of the Church. "Widows" are especially mentioned, in all communities the most deserving of aid. The Bible, therefore, particularly commends them to the compassion of the benevolent. "Pure religion and undefiled," etc. It is the duty of the Church to attend to the temporal as well as the spiritual necessities of its members. In this Christ has left us an example. The gospel is more a record of His beneficent acts than of His doctrinal ideas. 2. The absorbing work of the gospel ministry. This the twelve referred to as a reason. The deacons were elected not to rule, as some arrogant modern deacons fancy, but to relieve the preachers; so that, undistracted, they might give themselves wholly to their proper work. II. THE METHOD OF THEIR ELECTION. 1. The Church had its part — to look out the seven most suitable men, a work requiring inquiry, good judgment, and responsibility. 2. The apostles had their part. (1) They originated the election. The suggestion for new officers came from them, not from the members; and they, not the members, called the Church together for the purpose. (2) They directed the election, describing the character of the men to be elected. (3) They confirmed the election. The men the Church elected were set before the apostles for ordination. Had they not, however, been up to the standard, the apostles had assuredly the right of rejection. III. THE QUALIFICATION FOR THEIR ELECTION. 1. Unblemished reputation. 2. Eminent godliness. 3. Practical sagacity. IV. THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION (ver. 7). The election operated — 1. By quelling the spirit of contention, which would obstruct the advancement of the Church. 2. By the augmented agency of the Church. Seven noble men set to work. 3. By enabling the apostles to give themselves entirely to the preaching of the gospel. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. |
    |