City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:1–7

Reflection

“It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” — Acts 6:2

Not “right” to serve tables? How could that be? 

I’ve always been taught that in the kingdom of God serving is the highest form of leadership. I’ve seen books, sermons, and podcasts on “servant-leadership.” So, this passage of Scripture caught my attention. 

In fact, my first reaction was that the apostles sounded a bit self-important, like they were saying, “We can’t be taken away from an important duty like preaching to do something menial like serving tables.”

But that is not what they were saying. They said it wasn’t “right.” But how could it not be right for the apostles to serve tables, even if it detracted from their preaching? One could argue that feeding the widows is more important than ensuring Peter or John had more time to pray and prepare to preach a sermon.

“Yes,” some might say, “but this just shows the importance of preaching in the Body of Christ.” 

As important as good preaching is, I don’t think that is it. I think the answer is one that doesn’t fall into the trap of weighing the comparative importance of ministries but instead is firmly rooted in the doctrine of calling.

The apostles had walked with Jesus for the better part of three years. They had heard Jesus’ teachings in real time. They had been around after the teachings when Jesus explained what He meant by them. They enjoyed a proximity to Jesus that others had not experienced. This made them uniquely qualified to understand His guidance and preach the Word to the nascent Church. 

The apostle’s statement that “we will devote ourselves to” prayer and preaching literally means  “give ourselves continually to.” It was not a statement about completing a task but living out a calling.

Their best way of serving was to do what they were uniquely called to do. It wouldn’t be right for them to abandon what Jesus had specifically prepared them to do to do something others could do. 

At the same time, they didn’t ignore the problem. Instead, they delegated the duty of caring for the widows to others, and did what God assigned them to do.

Application

After the twelve made the decision to do what they were called to do, “the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7.

We often assume that serving God means doing whatever needs to be done. The experience of the early church in Acts 6 suggests something different. The apostles prayed and preached. Others cared for the widows and served tables. Neither ministry was neglected. The kingdom of God grew when everyone did what they were called to do.

In other words, the best way we can serve others is by serving God in the calling He has given us.

Prayer

Lord, help me always to see clearly what You have called me to do. Amen.