St Louis UBF UBF Bible Study : Acts 6:1-15

Bible Study Materials

Acts 6:1-15

by Paul Choi 06/10/2012

Question

FOCUS ON PRAYER AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Acts 6:1-15

Key Verse: 6:3,4

1. Read verses 1-4. As the church grew, what problem arose? (1) (How were the Hebraic Jews different from the Grecian Jews?) How did the apostles decide to deal with the problem? Why was this an important decision?

2. Read verses 5-7. Who were the seven men chosen to be stewards of the ministry? What were their qualifications? (3) What do their names suggest about them? How was their appointment confirmed?

3. What was the result? (5,7) What does this show about the importance of responsible stewardship?

4. Read verses 8-10. What kind of man was Stephen? Why did opposition arise against him? Why did these Greek-speaking Jews become more angry?

5. Read verses 11-15. Why and how did these Jews plot against and lie about Stephen? How did they escalate their campaign against him? What was their intention when they brought him before the Sanhedrin?

6. How did these attacks affect Stephen? What can we learn from these events?

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FOCUS ON PRAYER AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD-questions.doc

Message

FOCUS ON PRAYER AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Acts 6:1-7

Key Verse:6:4 “…and we will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Thus far we have studied how the Christian churches were formed, grew in communal unity and in number through the ministry of the apostles. As the church grew, oppositions and persecutions increased also. However, such external challenges solidified the strength of the church and the faith of the believers. As we studied last week, the apostles who were released from the public jail stood in the temple courts and delivered the full message of the good news of Jesus Christ. As church history proves, challenges and trials from outside trigger outbursts of great spiritual momentum.

Now another internal problem which was about to destroy the unity of the church arose, which was prejudice and resentments in the early church. As we know, the real enemy in any organization is not from outside, but from inside. Let’s see how the apostles dealt with this inner problem and how the church restored unity. Today’s passage teaches us a principle of how to deal with all kinds of problems in and out of the church, which is to focus on prayer and Bible study.

First, an inner problem arose (1). Look at verse 1. “In 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.” The words, ‘In those days’ indicates the days when the church was growing and the number of disciples was increasing. In the Jerusalem church, there were Hebraic Jews and Grecian Jews. The Hebraic Jews spoke Aramaic and followed Jewish culture. The Grecian Jews spoke Greek and followed Greek culture. The Jerusalem church was predominantly Hebrew. Grecian Jews would have been a minority. Apparently, Hebraic Jews were in charge of distributing food to the needy on a daily basis. They never forgot to give food to the Hebraic widows. But they overlooked the Grecian widows. It may have been because they did not understand Greek, but it was a matter of cultural sensitivity, and the widows were going hungry!

According to the Bible, widows and orphans should specifically be cared for. Widows have no husbands to rely on. They were dependant on “meals on wheels” food delivered on a daily basis just like retired old people today depend on their monthly welfare check. When the widows were treated unfairly, it made their children very unhappy and caused resentment and grief in the community. The Greek speaking believers were upset about this matter. They complained against the Hebraic Jews. Complaining is the best weapon that Satan uses to destroy relationships. In the beginning, Satan tempted men to complain against God’s love and His authority. Complaining instantly destroys unity and fellowship, like a small spark starts a fire that burns down the whole house in a moment. This is why the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 The 5:18)

Second, give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. (2-4) How did the church leaders deal with this problem? Look at verses 2-4. “So 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. Brothers, 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 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” At that time, the twelve disciples of Jesus had absolute authority over the church. However, they did not use their authority and power to crush the demands of the Grecian Jews. They wanted to hear and to work together with anyone for the work of God. After consulting with all the apostles, they made two decisions; first they would chose seven deacons and turn all administration and business works to them; second, the Twelve would focus on prayer and the ministry of God’s word.

Wherever men gather, it forms society which requires order and system. The early church was a small community and society. It needed workers who administrated and served the fellowship. The bigger the church grew, the more workers were needed. The word “deacon” means “servant”, or “waiting man.” The church needed workers who took care of members, programs, and even their meeting places. The qualification of deacons should be that they are full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit. According to 1 Timothy 3, deacons should be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(1 Ti 3:8,9)

Next, the Twelve decided to give their full attention to prayer and to the ministry of God’s word. It is not too much for us to emphasize the importance of prayer as Christians, especially as pastors, missionaries, ministers, Bible teachers, and so on. Prayer is like spiritual breath. Through prayer we can communicate with God constantly as we breathe constantly. Through prayer we hear God’s word and deliver our requests. Through prayer we are led by the Holy Spirit. According to 1 Timothy 2, a good minister of Christ Jesus should show a good example of prayer and lead his people to God in prayer. (1Ti 2:1-3) For church leaders, prayer life is very essential and relevant in pastoring. Intercessory prayer for others is mandatory as priestly duty. One of our church members confessed that she couldn’t survive even a minute without praying for her Bible students. She does so because she knows the importance of prayer in her shepherding life.

As church history proves, all godly leaders in the Bible were prayer warriors. Abraham often built altars of prayer. Moses frequently knelt down before God whenever his people rebelled against God and against God’s servants while they wandered in the wilderness. The Prophet Samuel led his people to spiritual revival through national repentant prayer at Mizpah. (1 Sa 7:3) King David cried out day and night seeking justice and God’s face whenever he was chased by his enemies. Besides all this, our Lord Jesus got up early in the morning and left the house and went to a solitary place where he prayed. (Mk 1:35) He often left the crowd and went up to the mountains to pray. We remember how Jesus struggled in the Garden of Gethsemane to obey the will of God. Focusing on prayer is an important turning point from a ministry to people to the ministry of God.

What did the Apostles mean when they said that they would focus on the ministry of the word? They knew the importance of preaching and teaching the word. The Apostles could have done many other things to solve the problems which arose in the church. But they decided to focus on Bible study and Bible teaching. We remember what happened when Jesus visited Lazarus’ house in Bethany. His sister Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. But her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what he said. Martha came to Jesus and complained about her sister Mary. What did Jesus say? “Martha, Martha. You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Lk 10:41,42) Jesus complimented Mary who chose what is better. Is hearing the word of God better than cleaning the house and cooking for guests? Here, what Jesus meant was that hearing the word of God is more important.

While Jesus was on this earth, he focused on teaching the word of God. When he was 12 years old, he was inquiring about and expounding on God’s word with the teachers in the temple court. (Lk 2:46) When the time came, he began to preach the message, “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mk 1:15) Jesus frequently taught the word of God. He taught the word of God at dawn, during the day and at night. He taught the word of God in the temple courts, at home, in the field, on the mountain, and by the beach. Wherever he went, he taught the word of God. Once he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” (Lk 4:43) Why did Jesus make preaching and teaching the word the most important activities in his messianic ministry? It is because the word of God gives life to our souls. Jesus said in John 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (Jn 5:24) Everything on earth is perishing, spoiling and fading away. But the word of God gives eternal life. 1 Peter 1:24,25a say, “For, ‘All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’”

The Apostles knew the necessity and the importance of proper distribution of food to the widows in the church. They did not ignore these physical needs. However, they were concerned about more than just perishable food. They were determined to focus on preaching and teaching the word of God which gives eternal life. Jesus said, “For man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4, Lk 4:4) He even warned his disciples, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (Jn 5:27) The word of God enables us to know God and nourishes our souls to grow in His divine nature. This is why the Apostle Peter said, “Like new born babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tested that the Lord is good.” (1 Pe 2:2,3)

The Apostles’ decision teaches us a spiritual value system and principles for doing the work of God. Our first priority must be the ministry of God’s word. Our church UBF has several unique characteristics for doing the work of God. One of these is that we value Bible study and Bible teaching more than anything else. So, after one to one Bible study several times, we pray for our Bible students to become Bible teachers. Our parents value Bible study so much that they pray for their children to become Bible teachers. We value excellent Bible speakers and teachers as being best among all the different servants of God. The late Dr. Samuel Lee was known as a good shepherd, a wise administrator, and a fruitful disciple maker. But, he was best known as a good and responsible Bible teacher and scholar. Whenever he confronted trials and problems, he went back to the Bible; that is, he sought answers and solutions from the Bible. Whenever he was falsely accused, he did not fight back against his enemies. Instead, he studied the Bible all the more and gave all his attentions to writing Sunday messages.

We also need this principle in doing the work of God, especially when internal and external problems arise. We must go back to the Bible. We must find a way out and a solution in the word of God. Do you face unpredictable challenges in doing the work of God? Give all your attention to Bible reading and Bible study. Do you want to get wisdom and power in dealing with your personal problems day after day? Focus on prayer and on Bible study. While we are praying and studying the word of God, we will find our problems already solved.

Third, the seven deacons (5-7) Look at verses 5,6. “This 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. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” The Twelve prayed and chose seven deacons. Most of these names are Greek. These men were all filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Here we learn that their qualification was not human ability, but spiritual maturity. The work of a deacon should be done by spiritually mature and responsible people. By choosing these seven deacons and turning the responsibility of business and administrating to them, the Apostles demonstrated how to work together. We must learn how to work together with others. For this coming Summer Bible Camp at the Black River, six messengers have been chosen. In order to support these six messengers, three coordinators were assigned last week. These nine people are learning how to work together for the Bible camp. May God fill all of them with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What was the result when the Apostle made this spiritual decision? Look at verse 7. “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” The Apostles could concentrate on Bible study and teaching without any distractions and interruptions. The word of God spread widely by the power of the Holy Spirit. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

There were some challenges inside and outside of the early church. These challenges might have instantly destroyed the unity of the church. But, because of the Apostles’ spiritual decision, not only was the church sustained, but also the number of disciples increased. As the Sadducees mentioned during the trial of the apostles, the city of Jerusalem was filled with the apostles’ teaching. (6:28) Here is a basic principle in doing the work of God. Let us focus on prayer and Bible study. I pray that God may make all of us prayer warriors and excellent Bible teachers. I also pray that God may raise all our children to grow to be excellent Bible teachers and messengers. Amen. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31,32) May God help America return to the Bible and become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Amen.

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