Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com
adding new leaders
Acts 6:1-7 (JDV)
Acts 6:1 However, in those days, when the disciples were increasing, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
Acts 6:2 The Twelve called for the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be acceptable for us to leave preaching the word of God to assist with tables.
Acts 6:3 Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men testified about, full of the Breath and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.
Acts 6:4 But we ourselves will stay busily engaged in prayer and assisting people with the word.”
Acts 6:5 This word pleased the whole company. So they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and the Sacred Breath, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch.
Acts 6:6 They had them stand before the missionaries, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.
adding new leaders
As the congregation in Jerusalem grew, it became necessary to add more leaders. The complaint from the Hellenistic Jews was merely the catalyst for this change. If these leaders had not been added, the primary purposes of the Twelve (proclaiming the gospel; teaching the kingdom, and prayer) would have been slowed down by their administrative responsibilities. So, the congregation wisely chose to add these leaders.
Notice that the names of these men indicate that they were part of the group that had voiced the complaint: they were Hellenistic Jews. These men were respected in the community already, and would be well accepted as leaders.
Lord, give us the wisdom to recognize when a change in leadership is needed, and to choose new leaders wisely.
Devotions 