gifts

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:1-7, NRSV)

I always thought the apostles were a little full of themselves. They can not be bothered to serve people because they have to study the word of God and to make sure others hear the word. But remember that there was no written word in the apostles day, except for the epistles of Paul and the others writing letters. The apostles were transmitting the word of God, so it is a big deal.

But the 7 that were chosen are not less qualified than the apostles, they are just qualified differently!

You see we all have gifts to use in service to God, and you like Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus are chosen by God to serve and do good for His people!