The Myth of the Perfect Church
Acts 6:1-7
1- "Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
2 - So 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- Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you 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.”
5 - The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
6 - And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
7 - The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
First There’s a Blessing (v.1)
Then There was a Problem (v.1b)
Next Came a Choice (v.2)
Leadership Proposed a Solution (v.3,4)
Finally the Whole Church Enjoyed Peace and Growth (v.5-7)
