There are many widows who have responded to the Gospel and been saved. We are told that there was a complaint among the widows that the Hellenistic widows were being overlooked. How would the apostles handle this complaint? Would it be something that would cause division in the church or would it be something which would further the work and ministry of the local church?

1. They recognised that they were overworked

The apostles did not let this situation fester and become divisive. Rather, they were  pro-active. They saw the circumstance at hand as an opportunity to enlist more people to do the work of the ministry.

2. They appointed helpers who represented the aggrieved people

The apostles had been involved in helping the widows, but with the growth of the church, they realized that they could not be involved as they were, for their involvement was taking away needed time to be devoted to pray and study the Word of God in order to teach the people.

3. They focused on their own calling and gifts

It meant more people would be involved in ministry, who would find fulfilment and blessing in ministry, and in the process all the needs of the widows would be met.

4. They looked for spiritual people

The apostles suggested that seven men be chosen to assist them, men of good reputation, who had Christ-like integrity, godly character, and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, that is they let the indwelling Holy Spirit empower and guide their lives. They were to be godly men who would be examples of Christ to others. They were not men who give lip service to Jesus Christ. Rather, they were men who let Christ be the Lord of their lives.

The wisdom of the twelve apostles kept unity in the church. It was what the people needed to hear. It was really wisdom from the Lord. It showed the people the apostles were vitally interested in their needs and were pro-active in looking at the circumstances as an opportunity not as a problem. This unity causes the Church to experience great growth!

Categories: Acts