Ministries

Our Bible passage comes from Acts 6: 1 – 7. It has been quoted for your easy access.

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 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 and sisters, 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. This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man of faith and of the Holy Spirit; Philip. Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them.

In the Church, the united body, there is conflict raging. This has all come about because of the Work of God the Holy Spirit, in His Church. What evidence is there of the Holy Spirit’s Work?

The Evidence

Firstly, we are told of the increase in numbers. Only God gives increase. Just as with the person who scatters or sows seed in the ground or soil, has to depend and wait on the Lord, who alone gives growth and harvest to the sown seeds, so too with the persons who scatter or sow the seed - the Word of God - in the people of God. It is the Holy Spirit and He alone who gives increase in numbers, where believers are concerned. The visible manifestation and sign of the working of the Holy Spirit, is there in the increasing number of disciples. In those days when the number of disciples was increasing. Acts 6: 1a.

Indeed! Increase is a perfect sign of the Working of the Spirit.

Secondly, we are told that the increasing numbers was nothing of exclusivity. In other words, we know that God is no respecter of persons. We know that with Him there is neither Jew, nor Greek, bond nor free and thus like. This is beautifully exemplified for the increase in numbers of converts to Christianity, shows difference, mixture, I call it. The visible manifestation and sign of the working of the Holy Spirit, is there in the diversification and inclusion of the increasing number of disciples.

The Grecian Jews among them complained about the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6: 1b.

Indeed! Inclusion is a perfect sign of the Working of the Spirit.

How has this been striking you so far, as related to you and your own church and church family?

Tomorrow we look at some more evidence.