Either through the baggage of prejudice, carried over from their former lives, or by simple ignorance, a group of believers had been treating others unfairly. The distribution of welfare was not being done equitably.
In response to the problem, the apostles direct the disciples to select seven men to oversee the welfare system. Their selection reminds us of a similar problem-instruction-implementation event with Moses, when his father in law urged him to delegate responsibility.
The seven met the qualifications for the role, the influence of the Holy Spirit being manifest in their lives. They were inducted, and are probably to be considered as the forerunners of the deacons.
The apostles did not think that the other ministries were beneath them; they simply wanted to focus on those duties they felt led by God to fulfil. They would have us find our place of service in the kingdom. We might find that some natural ability leads us to a certain role, or we could be pointed by circumstance to be involved in something outside of our comfort zone. In all cases, we serve humbly, not considering the smallest of roles insignificant in the eyes of God.
The determination by the apostles to focus on the core duties of prayer and the word are a great challenge to preachers of righteousness and an equal challenge to congregations to ensure that they do not over-burden their pastors. |
