Gospel Submission (Acts 6:1-7)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

The book of Acts reports rapid growth in the early church, but this leads to growing pains. In Acts 6, a complaint arises that the Hellenistic Jewish widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This may be a legitimate concern or reflect a deeper pattern of Israel's history of grumbling. We wonder, what will the apostles do? Are they too busy in the midst of church planting? Do they realize that preaching and prayer are not really the solution?

Despite facing persecution and being deeply engaged in preaching, praying, and mission work, the apostles do not dismiss the complaint. Instead, they respond with wisdom and compassion. They recognize the importance of caring for the physical needs of the church and appoint seven men, servants, or what we call deacons from the Greek word servant. Their job is to oversee this ministry. These men are chosen not only for their availability but for their character: they are to be known, Spirit-filled, wise, and of good reputation. We note that the assumption here is that these men are part of the church. They are well-known.

This moment in Acts teaches us that church membership matters. The community knew these seven men well enough to nominate them, not merely by name but by their lives. This underscores the importance of belonging to and being known within the body of Christ. Our Christian conversion is not a one-time one-and-done event.

Acts 6 also provides a balanced vision of the church’s mission. The church is not called to choose between spiritual ministry and physical care. The apostles prioritize both concerns. They continue in their Gospel preaching and prayer while ensuring the congregation's practical needs are met. Gospel preaching is not a one-time event but an ongoing means of grace that strengthens the saints throughout their lives and the Lord’s ordained means intended to be administered throughout the ages.

Finally, the church must embody the compassion of the gospel. The ordaining of deacons reflects God's heart for the vulnerable, and the church’s mission continues as it proclaims the gospel and lives it out in acts of love and mercy.