Acts 6 - the Prototype for Deacons

Acts 6 – The Prototype for Deacons

Introduction:

There was extraordinary love & unity among 1^st century Christians. See Acts 2:44-45; 4:32; 34-35. Self sacrificing love is the essence of the Christian life. In Acts 6:1, the continuous outpouring of love & service continued. This job demanded considerable time, effort, money. But. Hellenistic widows were being neglected. Something had to be done – or church faced certain division. In 6:1-6, the 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. Diakonos is never used in Acts 6 to designate the office of the 7 men.

B. In 21:8 – Luke identifies Philip as 1 of the 7 – not as a deacon.

C. 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.

D. To respond to the problem w/the proper oversight was absolutely right.

E. The family of God should not be mismanaged.

1. God should receive our best effort, energy, and skill!

II. Acts 6 is a great example of delegation of authority.

A. 6:2b-4 – the apostles delegated this task to the 7

1. The “7” were responsible for following through on their expectations.

2. Elderships today need to have complete confidence that when they delegate a task – that the task will be carried out on a reasonable time schedule.

B. Once the task has been given – elders need to back up the deacons.

1. 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. Critics must be sent directly to the criticized!

D. Men in Acts 6 – given an awesome task. These men handled the affair!

III. Acts 6 is a great example of church participation.

A. 6:3, 5 – apostles did not select the “7” – the church did.

1. Members had a keen responsibility in the decision making process.

B. The widows were the people’s responsibility.

C. Get involved here! 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. Deacons must push, promote, and pray.

B. Acts 6:7-8; 8:5 – in face of persecution – Stephen & Philip did their work.

C. What can we learn from this?

1. Be optimistic, full of hope and faith and confidence!

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.

B. We have great potential to be a growing, thriving church.

1. And…we are growing. Let’s take it to the next level!



Acts 6 – The Prototype for Deacons Introduction: There was extraordinary love & unity among 1^st century Christians. See Acts 2:44-45; 4:32; 34-35. Self sacrificing love is the essence of the Christian life. In Acts 6:1, the continuous outpouring of love & service continued. This job demanded considerable time, effort, money. But. Hellenistic widows were being neglected. Something had to be done – or church faced certain division. In 6:1-6, the 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. Diakonos is never used in Acts 6 to designate the office of the 7 men. B. In 21:8 – Luke identifies Philip as 1 of the 7 – not as a deacon. C. 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. D. To respond to the problem w/the proper oversight was absolutely right. E. The family of God should not be mismanaged. 1. God should receive our best effort, energy, and skill! II. Acts 6 is a great example of delegation of authority. A. 6:2b-4 – the apostles delegated this task to the 7 1. The “7” were responsible for following through on their expectations. 2. Elderships today need to have complete confidence that when they delegate a task – that the task will be carried out on a reasonable time schedule. B. Once the task has been given – elders need to back up the deacons. 1. 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. Critics must be sent directly to the criticized! D. Men in Acts 6 – given an awesome task. These men handled the affair! III. Acts 6 is a great example of church participation. A. 6:3, 5 – apostles did not select the “7” – the church did. 1. Members had a keen responsibility in the decision making process. B. The widows were the people’s responsibility. C. Get involved here! 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. Deacons must push, promote, and pray. B. Acts 6:7-8; 8:5 – in face of persecution – Stephen & Philip did their work. C. What can we learn from this? 1. Be optimistic, full of hope and faith and confidence! 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. B. We have great potential to be a growing, thriving church. 1. And…we are growing. Let’s take it to the next level!