City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren

The Word

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 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 to the ministry of the word.”

And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:1-7

Reflection

There are many parallels in the book of Acts to the Israelite’s journey in the desert after their deliverance from Egypt. The Spirit’s falling at Pentecost is associated in text and in timeliness with the giving of the Law. The death of Ananias and Sapphira (ch 5) is correlated with the death of Aaron’s sons when they brought strange fire into the tabernacle. These parallels reveal the intention of the Spirit to show us that this growing gathering of Jesus-followers is the expression of God’s presence in this new age that carries on to this day.

We find the first recorded internal conflict among believers continuing this trend. There are a few occurrences of “complaining” or “grumbling” in the story of Israel’s travel through the desert of Sinai. The first of these happens just a few days after the Red Sea:

Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.

Exodus 16:2-4

The Israelites there complained to Moses, and God answered by providing for their need. There, the original word for complained, both in Acts and the Greek translation of this Exodus passage is gongysmos. Luke very intentionally rings this bell in the minds of his Jewish readers to bring their attention back to complaining in the desert.

A few chapters later, Moses has his in-laws visiting, but cannot spend time with them because so many of the people are asking him to judge their disputes. His father-in-law offers his wisdom to Moses:

“:…you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.

Exodus 18:21-24

The subtext revealed by these connections leads the reader to conclude that the apostles took this issue to prayer and reflected on their knowledge of the scriptures and their time with Jesus. And in guidance with the Holy Spirit, it lead them to address this need without stretching themselves beyond their calling.

Of note, they left it to those complaining to appoint their own leaders to ensure the provision was distributed fairly. The calling of these men was about way more than the complaint or the need. They were appointed as judges to ensure that everyone was cared for in the congregation, not simply waiting tables.

Application

When a conflict arises, the best solution begins with bringing the problem to The Spirit of God and waiting for the answer. If you seek for the answer, it will come through a scripture you are reading or have memorized, through the word of another person, or a Word given to you in prayer. The Lord loves to serve us by giving us wisdom in a way that speaks to our hearts.

If you are not hearing the answer, ask the Lord to show you if there is anything that is hindering you from hearing Him on this matter. He may reveal to you a lie you are believing or He may confront you about an internal heart issue.

If you still do not have a clear answer, the Lord may be telling you that you are ready to judge this situation. God is seeking those who He can trust to delegate His power and authority, so Him allowing you to decide is a sign of His growing trust in you.

Prayer

Father,
Thank You that You provide. You ensure that my material needs are met according to Your glorious riches. You give wisdom when conflict arises. You even give Yourself, my most basic need, even when I’m set against You. How wonderful You are! Amen.