“There Arose a Murmuring” – Acts 6:1-7
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
In “those days,” the church was exploding in growth!
Matthew 16:18b I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
You would think that times of growth and construction would be the most unifying and hope-filled, but that is not always the case. In fact, the church has historically the church has done better in seasons of stress rather than seasons of seeming success.
Numbers 14:26-27 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
There is no problem with varying opinions when they are handled and shared in the right way. When we choose to gripe to others and get them needlessly stirred up, it creates what the Bible calls “discord.”
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Proverbs 6:19b And he that soweth discord among brethren.
Acts 3:6b Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
I. We Need
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
II. We Need a
Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Our doctrine, our direction, our devotion, and our desires for Jesus must be consistent.
Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set.
III. We Need a
Acts 6:5-6 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Sometimes disagreements come, but we do not need to be disagreeable because kindness and graciousness are so powerful when it comes to creating a bond of unity.
Philippians 2:2-4 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.