Acts 6 – The Prototype for Deacons
2005003
Topic: 1486 (Deacons)
Introduction:
A. In terms of church leadership, Acts 6 is one of the most significant passages in the NT.
1. Some: it’s right up there with Acts 20 w/Paul’s message to Ephesian elders as far as its relevance to shepherds over the local church.
2. Acts 6 filled with truth & practical lessons about church leadership & spiritual priorities.
3. It addresses issues of conflict and problem solving.
4. It addresses leadership, character, finances, love, prayer, humility, and community.
B. There was extraordinary love & unity among 1st century Christians.
1. Acts 2:44-45; 4:32; 34-35
2. What made these Christians care for one another to this extent?
a) Love! Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another with the same kind of self sacrificing love He had shown them!
b) John 15:12-13
c) Self sacrificing love is the essence of the Christian life.
C. Acts 6 – the continuous outpouring of love & service continues through its efforts to feed poor widows.
1. This was an enormous job that demanded considerable time, effort, money.
a) Needs present all the time.
2. Display of love had begun to b/c affected by discrimination against Hellenistic widows.
D. Who were they?
1. Greek speaking Jews who immigrated to Jerusalem from foreign lands.
2. possessed more liberal outlook w/their cultural/ideological concerns
3. Esp. when compared to Aramaic, Palestinian Jews.
4. Hellenistic Jews would have formed a socially distinct group. Made them suspect by more conservative, native Hebrews.
E. Acts 6:1 – by this time Hellenistic widows were being neglected.
1. Here’s the church’s first big test of brotherly love.
2. Could they solve this problem? Would their love transcend the cultural differences?
3. Something had to be done – or church faced certain division.
F. 6:1-6 – Apostles acted & solved the problem. There are lessons from Acts 6 – let’s discuss them.
I. The “7” in Acts 6 were not the original deacons.
A. Servants? Yes. Engaged in special, temporary task.
1. not permanent officers in the church
B. While diakonos found 3 times in Acts 6 – it applies to specific ministry in question.
1. Diakonos is never used in Acts 6 to designate the office/position of the 7 men.
2. 6:3 – these 7 were put in charge of a specific task – getting assistance to the Hellenistic widows.
C. In 21:8 – Luke identifies Philip as 1 of the 7 – not as a deacon.
D. Other things to consider: If the “7” were deacons, then:
1. We have deacons w/o elders.
2. deacons are a temporary work – not a permanent office – which contradicts 1 Tim. 3:8-13
3. Qualifications in Acts 6 are different from 1 Tim. 3.
a) Either a contradiction or must add Acts 6 to 1 Tim. 3.
E. In short…the task of these men was:
1. Acts 4:34-35, 37, 5:2 – collect money & goods contributed to needy.
2. Acts 4:35 – distribute money to needy. Fairly and justly.
3. They were to coordinate the church’s charitable services to needy saints.
F. This temporary task was essential! To respond to the problem w/the proper oversight was absolutely right.
1. Good mgmt is essential!
2. Some Christians equate disorganization w/spirituality – but the opposite is true!
3. Disorganization/mismgmt always significantly multiplies problems & frustrates people.
4. 1992: US Gvt wasted $150 million b/c of mismgmt.
G. Mismanagement/disorganization ruins families, businesses, governments, and churches.
1. It is a product of laziness, carelessness, lovelessness, and selfishness.
H. The family of God should not be mismanaged.
1. God should receive our best effort, energy, and skill!
2. Acts 6 is a great example of good organization & loving care for God’s people.
II. Acts 6 is a great example of delegation of authority.
A. 6:2b-4 – the apostles delegated this task to the 7
1. Why? 6:4
a) Doesn’t mean apostles disliked caring for widows, nor does it imply them too important for this work.
b) 4:36-37 – they had been personally involved in the work.
c) But #’s too great now – they distracted from their primary work. (preaching the gospel)
2. So..The “7” brought in and these responsibilities delegated to them. Apostle’s authority not diminished or threatened by the “7”.
3. The “7” were responsible for following through on their expectations.
a) Elderships today need to have complete confidence that when they delegate a task – that the task will be carried out on a time schedule that is reasonable.
b) Deacons need to respond favorably to the challenges given them. Great challenges mold great men!
B. Once the task has been given – elders need to back up the deacons.
1. Acts 6 – apostles turned table ministry over to the 7.
2. Member w/an objection: take it to the “7” not the apostles.
a) Only when this failed – was he to go to apostles.
b) We would do well today to follow this pattern.
C. Today when brethren don’t like preacher/problem – gripe to elders.
1. Song leader/fellow member.
2. This violates scripture & common sense!
D. Critics must be sent directly to the criticized!
1. Elders are not the complaint dept for the church!
2. Elders ought to go to church to worship – not field complaints!
E. Church workers must be backed – not defended!
1. The breakdown in dealing w/complaints has caused much discouragement among church leaders.
2. Causes them to stagnate over time.
F. Men in Acts 6 – given an awesome task. These men handled the affair!
1. They cemented relations. They mended fences.
2. They were servants & accomplished their task.
III. Acts 6 is a great example of church participation.
A. 6:3, 5 – apostles did not select the “7” – the church did.
1. Apostles enlisted the thinking, feeling, and action of all members.
2. Members had a keen responsibility in the decision making process.
3. Why?
B. Apostles knew people in congregation were their bro/sis. The people were not their disciples.
C. The money going to those who needed it was the people’s money. The widows were the people’s responsibility.
1. It was everyone’s problem.
2. The congregation had to share in the responsibility/planning/administration of its benevolence.
D. Exactly how the congregation at Jerusalem – went about choosing the 7 is not recorded.
1. But they were involved & decisions were made.
E. Get involved here!
1. Talk to elders. Volunteer for various programs going on around here.
2. Attend meetings that elders offer to get your input.
3. Be as involved as you can be.
4. No unimportant member! Remember – Eph. 4:15-16.
IV. Acts 6 shows that the “7” were optimistic & encouraging.
A. Those who serve should be filled with enthusiasm for God & the church!
1. They must push, promote, and pray.
2. They must be the strongest advocates of church programs.
3. The greatest need of all is encouragement!
a) Of the 7 – the most notable are Stephen & Philip.
b) Don’t think for a moment that they weren’t enthusiastic about their work & the church as a whole.
B. Acts 6:7-8; 8:5 – in face of persecution – they did their work – they served God!
C. What can we learn from this?
1. Deacons should be hospitable, generous, thoughtful, kind, and courteous.
2. They are to be problem solvers – not the problem.
3. Be optimistic, full of hope and faith and confidence!
D. It’s amazing how much this will carry over to those w/in the congregation! What a difference you can make!
Conclusion:
A. We have an incredible example in Acts 2-7 of a growing, thriving church.
1. When problem came, the leadership responded in the proper way.
2. problems were addressed head on, not allowed to fester
3. Do not read of this being a problem again in the church.
B. Brownsburg has great potential to be a growing, thriving church.
1. And…we are growing. But…having godly organization with men who realize the significance of their position who are dedicated to being the best they can be will help us take it to the next level.
2. 2005 has the potential to be the best year ever in this place.
3. It is a blessing to work with a congregation that is forward minded and to have so many who take what is said from this pulpit so seriously.
4. We’re on the brink of doing great things here!
C. I N V I T A T I O N
