1) All believers have an equal standing with each other
(v.1,3,5).
a) Verse one implies that distinctions in race
or language (Hellenists vs. Hebrews) should not cause
divisiveness (both are equally worthy of support).
b) All believers had an equal vote in choosing deacons
(v. 3, 5).
2) No individual should be overlooked by fellow
believers (v. 1).
3) Believers are capable of sinful behavior (v. 1).
a) Verse 1 reveals a murmuring that arose among
believers (disciples who were multiplying).
b) Every time ("murmuring") is used in the New Testament,
it refers to sinful behavior. EX: Jn. 7:14; Phil. 2:14;
I Pet. 4:9; cp. Jd. 1:16; Mt. 20:11; Lk. 5:30;
Jn. 6:41,43,61, etc.
4) Every individual believer's involvement is
essential in decision-making (in a local church) (v. 3).
a) Verse 2 indicates that the Apostles summoned the
whole multitude.
b) Verse 3 reveals that the individual believers had
a part in seeking deacons.
c) The Apostles' suggestions "pleased the
whole multitude" (v.5).
d) "They (plural) selected. . . they set
before the Apostles"(v.5,6).
5) Not all individuals are qualified (spiritually)
for official positions in
a church (v. 3, 5).
6) A believer's testimony is vitally important (v.3)
a) The Apostles call on the "brethren" to look for men
"well reported of" (passive verb) from
m a r t u r
e w which refers to one's testimony.
b) The importance of the believer's testimony is
implied by the need that had to be met by such
qualified men.
7) Believers are capable of leading holy lives
(v.3,5)
a) "Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom
(verse 3) . . . full of faith" (verse 5) indicate
holiness (a set-apartness unto God).
b) The fact that 7 men were chosen indicates the
potential for such living is indeed possible (v. 5).
8) An individual's character can be visibly seen
by others (v.3,5).
a) The internal Godliness ("full of Holy
Spirit and wisdom, and faith") is evident.
b) The fact that these traits can be seen is
evident by:
(1) Verse 3, which involves an imperative to
look for
(p i
s k e p t o m
a i) such men.
(2) Verse 3, which involves a passive
participle - "being well reported of."
(3) Verse 5, indicating that such men could be
found.
9) All believers should be willing to serve the Lord
(even in mundane areas)
(v. 1, 5).
a) None of the 7 men chosen (v. 5) refused
to accept the position of deacon.
b) They were willing to identify with the gospel ministry
and receive a transferral of service (signified by v. 6 -
"laying on of hands").
c) The mundane areas are evident by the word "tables"
(v. 2) and the context of meeting physical needs of
widows of the church.
10) Not all believers share the same role or
function (in the Body) (v. 4).
a) Verse 3 is contrasted with verse 4. While men
were to be appointed to meet physical needs (v. 3), in verse 4
other men (the Apostles) needed to retain their priority of
meeting spiritual needs (by the "ministry of the Word
and prayer").
11) Christians must be willing to identify with God's
work and men (if chosen for church office) (v.6)
a) None of the 7 men chosen (v. 5) refused
to be identified with the gospel ministry (they were willing to
be "set before" the Apostles).
b) The "laying on of hands" indicates an
identity with and a transference from the men
laying their hands upon the persons (in this case, the Apostles,
v. 6). (the 7 men were willing to identify with the gospel
ministry and receive a transferral of service).
1) In a church, problems are inevitable (v. 1).
2) Church growth brings with it increased demands
(necessities) (v. 1).
3) In a large church, some ministries are overlooked (v.1)
4) Church ministry has daily responsibilities (v. 1).
5) In a church, racial factions are potential (v. 1).
6) The Church must take special care of widows (v. 1).
7) The Church must keep track of each member carefully
(v. 1).
8) Administrative problems will manifest themselves by
sinful symptoms ("grumbling").
9) Not all church members share the same role or
function (diversity) (v.2, 4).
10) The church is responsible to meet the needs of
its own members (v. 1, 3).
11) The church is responsible to solve its own problems
(it is autonomous) (v.3,5)
12) Effective church administration involves fulfilling
your own responsibilities (priorities) (v.2,4).
13) Effective church administration involves delegation
of authority (v. 3, 4).
14) The church needs men who are willing to share the
load of the ministry
(v. 3, 5, 6).
15) The involvement of every church member is essential
in decision-making
(v. 3, 5).
16) Not all church members are qualified for official
positions (v. 3, 5).
17) Those who serve in an official capacity (in a church) must
be spiritually qualified (v. 3, 5).
18) Deacons (official servants) are chosen from among the
church body (v. 3).
19) Deacons (official church servants) must be willing to meet
mundane needs (v. 1, 3).
20) Deacons (official church servants) must be willing to meet
routine needs (daily) (v. 1).
21) Deacons (official church servants) must be willing to
take orders (v. 3).
22) A deacon's responsibility is one of service, not
leadership (v. 2, 3).
23) When a church has problems, a cooperative spirit is
necessary (v. 5).
24) The church members must submit to the lead of the
overseer(s) (v. 5, 6).
25) In a church, problems are solvable (v. 5-7).
26) A healthy church will be a growing church (v. 7).
27) God blesses a church that solves its problems (v. 7).
