Wisdom from the Early Church (III)

Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-8

To conclude the series on “Wisdom from the Early Church” specifically from Acts 6:1-8, I would like us to pay attention to an important feature of the early church, it was Holy Spirit-centered church. Every act of the apostles focused on preaching the gospel of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. For example, we saw this in Acts 3 when Peter and John healed a lame man on their way to the temple.

Back to our Bible reading today, the twelve disciples decided to delegate responsibility so that the neglected Grecians widows can be attended to. They chose seven people after they have consulted with the congregation— “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” (Acts 6:5). Even though the chosen people were to serve table and attend to the welfare of the church, being filled the Holy Spirit was important to their calling. The Holy Spirit makes the difference in whatever we do. If the church of God can focus on the essential, if believers and church workers whether a preacher or a cleaner can be filled with the Holy Spirit, our services will not remain the same, our lives will influence and impact others in ways that will glorify God. No wonder God did amazing miracles through Stephen and Philip. Although the acts of the remaining five was not recorded, I believe they were used of God in many ways. After the selection of these seven, the apostles laid hands on them and prayed for them. The word of God continue to increase. Here’s the wisdom from the Early church: The church needs to give the Holy Spirit the centre stage so that the word of God can increase among the nations. There is no responsibility that does not require the Holy Spirit and when we are filled with Holy Spirit, our lives will never remain the same because we will manifest God in everything we do. May God help His church in this last day!

Daily Confession: Lord please help your church to be faithful and seek you whenever challenges arise in Jesus name.

Intercessory prayer: Pray for leaders in the church of God for wisdom and grace to be faithful stewards.

Hymn: Stand up, stand up for Jesus

Ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high his royal banner,

It must not suffer loss.

From Victory unto victory

His army shall he lead,

Till every foe is vanished,

And Christ is Lord indeed.