Mark Bradford's Bible Blog

The Choosing of the Seven

¹In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

This account tells us of the first examples of lay leadership in the early church. Jews residing in Jerusalem at that time were divided into 2 groups, Grecian Jews and Hebraic Jews, or Hebrews and Hellenists. Hebrews spoke Aramaic, embraced Jewish culture and customs, and tended to be from Judea. Hellenists spoke Greek, embraced Greek culture and customs, and were more likely to be from the larger Roman empire. They were all Jews living in Jerusalem, but came from different cultures and had different traditions. The two groups distrusted one another. David Guzik, in his commentary, says, “Hebrews tended to regard Hellenists as unspiritual compromisers with Greek culture, and Hellenists regarded Hebrews as holier-than-thou traditionalists.” It seems this distrust had extended itself into the early church. Even after we become believers, unfortunately, we often bring our own prejudices into the church with us. This was the first case of division in the early church, but as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, God made sure that the church came through it without damage.

The complaint that the Hellenists had seems to be valid. Food was already being distributed to widows, but apparently in an unorganized way. The Hebrews were probably in the majority, and unorganized volunteers would naturally make sure that widows they knew personally got taken care of first. Luke had already pointed out that “they gave to anyone as he had need” (2:45), and that “There were no needy persons among them.” (4:34) Their hearts were in the right place, but without organization some may have fallen through the cracks. It’s possible that the Grecian Jews’ complaint was about a perceived slight rather than an actual one. But when someone, especially in the body of believers, believes that they have been wronged, it does no good for the person accused of the slight to try to prove their innocence. It really doesn’t matter if the slight was intended. What matters is how the aggrieved party feels. If the insult is real to them, then it’s real. Harmony in the church is more important than proving you’re right.

²So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

The apostles knew that it would be impossible for them to do what Jesus had called them to do and also administrate the food program to the widows and orphans. Many pastors, out of sheer necessity, especially in small churches, are forced to do many duties which should be done by volunteers in the church. This only reduces the amount of time that they can devote to study, prayer, sermon preparation, and ministry. I’ve often heard that the church is like a football game. There are thousands in the stands in desperate need of exercise and 22 on the field in desperate need of rest. If you think all the church needs from you is your attendance and money, think again. Giving of your time and talents to the church is part of your stewardship.

The method used to choose the seven “deacons”, as some call them, is interesting to me. They were nominated by the church body, and “ordained” for this duty by the apostles. They didn’t volunteer. In my church, when a ministry like this is set up, people are asked to pray about whether God is leading them to participate in the ministry, and to volunteer if they feel led to. In this case it seems assumed that those nominated would agree to serve. I have been nominated several times for election to my church’s board, but have refused to have my name on the ballot each time, because board meetings tend to conflict with music rehearsal times, and I feel called to music ministry, and have no interest in church government. But none of these men said “I don’t feel called to this ministry”, or “I’m not gifted in that area.” They looked on what some might have considered a menial duty as an important ministry, which it was. It was the church being the church. Caring for widows and orphans was high on Jesus’ priority list, no less important than preaching the gospel. After all, how did Jesus say that people would know we are his disciples? By seeing how we love one another (John 13:35).

The criteria they used for choosing the Seven, as they came to be known (Acts 21:8), was exactly right, and it’s the same criteria we should use for lay leadership today. They nominated those who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. This was a practical ministry, and they needed those who were both spiritual and practical. That can be a hard combination to find! Have you ever met someone who is, as the saying goes, “so spiritual that they’re no earthly good?” A ministry like this needs those who are good with organization and detail, in addition to being people of God.

⁵This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Everyone agreed that this was the right course of action. The apostles needed to devote themselves to preaching and prayer, and at the same time, others needed to make sure that the needs of the needy among them were met. Of those named here, Stephen is the most famous, being the first Christian martyr. His story immediately follows this one. Philip also plays a significant role in the coming chapters. His evangelism in Samaria results in the episode with Simon the sorcerer (8:4-25, blog), and he is the one who witnesses to the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-40, blog). He became known as Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:8). Of the others, not much is known. Those who give of themselves in ministries like this may never become “celebrities” in the church, but as Jesus said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)

Many point out the fact that all of the names listed are Greek names, indicating that all of the Seven were Hellenists. This is seen by some as an attempt to mollify the Hellenists in the church by choosing leadership from their own number. That may be, but it’s also possible that all of the names are in Greek simply because Luke wrote the Book of Acts in Greek. It was written to a largely Gentile readership, so it’s natural that Luke would give the Greek versions of their names. We don’t know for sure how many of the Seven were Hebrews and how many were Hellenists.

⁷So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

As they obeyed God and devoted themselves to ministry, the word of God spread. A church full of people who are willing to serve others will always grow. The church in Jerusalem got past this possible source of division and went on to greater victories. Luke says that even “a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” This may well have been the final straw for the temple leadership that led to the persecution that followed. It was one thing for this new sect to appeal to the common folk, but when priests started converting to faith in Jesus, that could not be tolerated.

Mark Bible Acts, early church, laying on of hands, Philip, Stephen