Serving To Trust And Trusting To Serve
BRD REFLECTIONS
(Mabel Tay, Chairperson, CARE Sub-Committee, Missions Committee)
READ:
Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)
Key Words: complained (gongysmos) | distribution (diakonia) of food | wait on (diakonein) tables | ministry (diakonia) of the word | proposal pleased the whole group (pantos tou plēthous)
OBSERVE:
1. The Problem (v1)
A problem had developed within the early church in Jerusalem. The Greek-speaking or Hellenistic Jews (likely from elsewhere, converted at Pentecost) complained against the Hebrew-speaking Jews (likely local converts) due to apparent neglect of the Hellenistic widows in food distribution. The private, sullen complaining suggested by gongysmos (vs. direct, straightforward objection) brings to mind the murmuring of the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 15:24) and underlying simmering tensions.
I believe the discontent arose from genuine concern about the well-being of the widows and the fair conduct of the ministry. This shows that problems may arise notwithstanding, and even out of, positive action and good intentions.
2. The Apostles’ Response (v2–4)
In response, the apostles directed the disciples to select from among themselves seven Spirit-filled and wise men to be responsible for the food distribution ministry, such that the apostles could focus on prayer and ministry of the word.
This shows me that the apostles recognised:
- they had important primary responsibilities of prayer and preaching the word.
- the comparable importance of the food distribution ministry; otherwise, they would not have considered it necessary to choose Spirit-filled and wise persons to lead that ministry.
- it was not possible for them to directly fulfil both the food distribution ministry and their primary ministries of prayer and the word.
- the disciples could be trusted to make a suitable selection.
3. The Disciples’ Response (v5–6)
The whole group of disciples was pleased by the proposal and proceeded to select the men, before presenting them to the apostles for prayer and spiritual anointing. The seven are said to be all Hellenists, their names being mainstream Greek names and not Jewish or Graecised Jewish names.
This shows me that:
- the disciples unanimously trusted the goodness of the proposal, for they were all pleased by it.
- the Hebraic Jews showed grace and sensitivity towards their aggrieved counterparts by contributing and agreeing to the selection of Hellenists.
APPLY:
1. The Problem
Similar issues of unfair treatment and resulting tensions and discontent occur regularly in our world. Prejudice often exists against those from a migrant or minority group, or those dissimilar in terms of background, culture or status. This aside, general divisions often arise from differences in thought and mismatched expectations, including within the church.
2. The Apostles’ Response
I liken the apostles’ prompt and wise response to what I observe in our Wesley pastors. Our pastors display humility by accepting that they cannot do everything and not elevating the status of any diakonia, including their own, above any other, and endeavour to supply wise, affirmative and encouraging counsel to church members and goers. I should seek to emulate such conduct and qualities in my daily interactions with others.
The apostles gave a single criterion to the disciples for the selection—to be Spirit-filled and wise— and did not emphasise management or administrative skills, even for a very practical food distribution ministry. I would do well to adopt a similar focus. I have faith that by first and foremost seeking spiritual maturity and wisdom from God, the necessary practical and intellectual skills, giftings and resources will follow for effective practical work.
3. The Disciples’ Response
Issues between two significant church groups were resolved with a unanimous pleased acceptance of the apostles’ proposal by the disciples. This fascinating account indicates the strength of the apostles’ leadership and the trust of the disciples in them.
No disciple dissented or questioned the wisdom of the proposal, continued to grumble after a begrudging acceptance, or fretted that the selection may not be fair. The disciples also showed grace and sensitivity to each other in the choice of the men. As I reflect on tensions and disputes in our world today, this is a rare and remarkable outcome.
Just as continually reading God’s word and communicating with him instils greater trust in him, achieving this level of mutual accountability and trust requires continued service, interaction and intentional relationship building.
To have built up this level of trust, the apostles must have had, over time prior to this event, interacted considerably with the disciples and made decisions with positive outcomes. The apostles could not have been right in every single matter, yet with the infusion of the Spirit, they were blessed with the trust and respect of disciples for further ministry.
Similarly, the apostles must have had familiarity with the disciples to have entrusted them to make a wise selection for an important matter, instead of appointing the men themselves.
Thus, from serving to (build) trust and trusting to serve, this passage ends on a triumphant note—of good prevailing over evil; of a striking expansion of the kingdom trumping the discord that Satan would have not hesitated to use to limit the ministry and fruit-bearing potential of servants of God (v7).
DO:
I will take time to serve and build solid and trusting relationships. In situations of interacting with pastors, leaders and others in authority, I will continue to appreciate them and submit to godly wisdom and leadership, and the order and resolution that such authority brings. If in a place of leading, I will ask God to help me to continually exercise servant leadership modelled after Jesus’ and conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel and that fosters trust from and among team members.
PRAY:
Dear God, thank you for this beautiful account of service and interaction, mutual trust and respect, collaboration and grace among these members of the early church. I pray to be quick to affirm and encourage others and slow to grumble or criticise. Make me alive to my own erroneous ways and help me to become more like Christ each day. Keep me close to you and your word, that my faith and trust in you increases daily. Grant me opportunities to serve and a heart of love and trust that I may serve you and others better. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.
