FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH-YEAR 9

FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH

 

1.MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 6:1, 2    

2. SELECTION OF DEACONS. ACTS 6:1-7 (EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION)

 MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

To murmur is to grumble, to show discontent. It is also to

 whisper in low tones to express displeasure; especially when 

a group of people realize that things are not being done the

the right way or they are being discriminated against.


There was discrimination among members of the early church. This came about during the distribution of food and other things. The Jews who were from Jerusalem and Palestine (Hebrews) were given special treatment while the  Jews born outside Jerusalem and Palestine (Grecian Jews or  Hellenists) especially the widows were treated differently.

 They were discriminated against and were not given the food and other things they requested for. As a result, the Grecian  Jews murmured and complained bitterly.


SELECTION OF DEACONS

In order to solve the discrimination and partiality problem in

 the distribution of food and other items among the early

 Christians, the apostles discussed the matter. Peter made it

 known, that they (apostles) cannot leave the work of

 preaching and ministering the word of God to serve tables

 and supervise the distribution of food and other things. 

He suggested that they should choose seven men who will

 become deacons to supervise the distribution of food and

 other things, and ensure that nobody was discriminated

 against. This proposal pleased the whole group.


Peter stated the qualities expected of the seven deacons. 

These qualities are listed below:

   1. They should be men of good repute, i.e. men of good character.  

    2. They should be men of wisdom and understanding.

    3. They should be men filled with the Holy Spirit.


The following men that fit into the criteria were chosen by the

 early Church as deacons:

1. Stephen,

2. Philip,

 3. Prochorus,

4. Nicanor,

 5. Timon,

6. Parmenas

7. Nicolas.

 Due to the selection of the seven deacons, the discrimination

 and the grumbling in the church stopped as there was now

 equitable distribution of food and other things.

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