About that time, while the number of disciples continued to increase, a complaint arose. Greek-speaking disciples accused the Aramaic-speaking disciples because their widows were being overlooked in the daily food service. 2 The Twelve called a meeting of all the disciples and said, “It isn’t right for us to set aside proclamation of God’s word in order to serve tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern. 4 As for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and the service of proclaiming the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the entire community. They selected Stephen, a man endowed by the Holy Spirit with exceptional faith, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 The community presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 God’s word continued to grow. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly. Even a large group of priests embraced the faith. (Acts 6:1-7, CEB)
This passage tells us that there are some among us who are meant to preach and teach, and other meant to serve, or do other tasks. We all do not have the same gifts, but we are all needed to perform the functions of the body.
The twelve were dealing with all of the administrative tasks and teaching and preaching and it was too much.
So they appointed the 7 to over see the administration and care/service to those around so the twelve could focus on teaching and preaching.
We all have a place and a gift to use.
Love People. Love God.
aSacredRebel 