Apostles' Speak

Here are the words of the twelve apostles, as they deal constructively and efficiently with the unwanted, putrid fruit of murmuring, which has come in among them. We listen to them in their three-part solution.

Here is the Bible Text.

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word. Acts 6: 2 - 4.

The NIV version brings it to us like this. It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God, in order to wait on tables. 

Take full note the specific use of the word, solution, for the apostles solved it all at once, so that the evil had not a chance to settle. There was a Summoning, a Stating and a Setting Up.

Summoning – The Twelve, the leaders of the Church, straightaway called the entire congregation together. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples. Acts 6: 2a. Every disciple was called together - the displeased and pleased believers; the murmuring and non-murmuring believers; the Hebrews and the Hellenist converts – not one was omitted.  When our Leader summons, we leave all and go.

Stating - The Twelve are not hesitant, apologetic or even a bit cautious in their fact stating. Remember, in that summoned multitude are murmurers, grumblers and highly peeved, dissatisfied believers. When the people had gathered, this was what they stated. It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Acts 6: 2b.

I must confess that in my mind’s eye, I am seeing the person speaking as Peter. I know that the Twelve summoned the multitude and said that to them, but I don't see all twelve apostles speaking either in unison as a learnt choral piece, or one at a time even. Nevertheless, I can see Peter doing the speaking on behalf of the apostles. What about you? What do you see and hear? I have chosen Peter on solid, founded premises and on past experiences.

Here are three most persuasively convincing facts which I bring to your remembrance. One will be brought today, and the others will be opened to you in tomorrow’s sharing.

After Jesus has begun His public Ministry, when it is at its, peak, if you will, and right before His Crucifixion, He inquired of His disciples about how the public saw Him. When He turned the question to them personally, as His disciples, Peter’s was the voice we heard, the one who answered for the others. It was here that Jesus said to him, You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16: 18b. 

Peter has a huge role given to him by his Master, whereby nothing of the dark region, will prevail in His Church. Peter cannot take this lightly and allow murmuring fruit from the dark region, to prevail among the believers. He speaks up and speaks out!

Can you think of other examples?

Two more will be brought before you tomorrow.