The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 6:1-4, “Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the
part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked
in the daily serving of food.
2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to
neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
3 “But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom,
whom we may put in charge of this task.
4 ‘But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.’”

Historically, the Church has always experienced difficulty. Some comes from those outside, who are opposed to the teaching; some comes from within, because not everyone behaves as the LORD wishes It is always the same. Rectification of both issues appears to be impossible. In the instance of our Scripture, however, wisdom reigned supreme! The twelve disciples gave instruction to the congregation to select seven reputable, spiritual men to attend to the physical needs. The disciples continually devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Interestingly, of the seven selected to be “deacons,” all were selected from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews), the group that was complaining. Stephen, the first selected, is mentioned only seven times in the Bible. Philip is noted 19 times, but later becomes an evangelist. The remaining five are never mentioned again. Sometimes those who do the work fail to garner mention. That’s important only in that they never complained. The LORD saw their labor, and He sees ours. That’s all that matters.

The overall benefit was that the disciples (pastors, teachers) were not detered from prayer and ministry of the Word. The Church exists for the glory of God. There are many facets to ministry both inside and outside the Church. Yet, that which ministers spiritually must always viewed as of greater value. No ministry ever supersedes that of the Word of God! When ministers become encumbered with physical things that sublemate the study of the Word and prayer, it is time to assign others to those tasks.

We should be attentive to needs within our churches and always be ready to assist in practical matters.
At the same time, we should be prayerful with respect to all things and minister spritually as we go about our daily lives. Engage in a mental survey of those who need your prayers and biblical encouragement. And take no notice of whether you are mentioned. That is such that glorifies God!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom