Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, who we may appoint over this business;

 

In the 6th Chapter of the Book of Acts we find that the Church had grown so large the Twelve Apostles could not minister to everyone. It seems as though in addition to preaching the Word and Prayer, the primary ministry was to see after the widows, and apparently, there were a lot of them. The Apostles needed help and the Lord did not disappoint.

 

There were men in the fellowship that had grown in their faith and knew the Word of God. The names of seven men were brought forth to be the first Deacons of the Church. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the Apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. (Acts 6:5-6) It is interesting to note that the only two men ever mentioned again in the Word of God is Stephen and Philip. We know nothing more of the other five men.

 

Every position in the Church is to be that of a servant. The seven men originally called to be Deacons were to serve and look after the widows. They received no compensation or notoriety for their service. They operated in this capacity because the Lord called them to it. Stephen and Philip, although originally called as Deacons, became Preachers and Evangelists themselves.

 

The Philip we read about in the Book of Acts is NOT the same man (a fisherman) Jesus called to be one of His original Twelve Apostles. Although their names are both translated into English as Philip, their Greek names are different. They are two entirely different people: Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist. We know very little about Philip the Apostle but there is much to learn about Philip the Evangelist.

 

The people chose seven men out of their congregation to be Deacons who were to look after the widows and do such other duties as required in the Church. Two of the seven men (Stephen and Philip) although chosen to be Deacons, went on to be Evangelists and performed many Miracles of which we will study in the days to come. We know nothing of the other five men. Perhaps they continued to care for the widows and work in the church, we don’t know.

 

The point of today's Morning Message is that while we may be chosen for a certain position by people, we must always listen to the Holy Spirit and do what He calls us to do. But the Anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same Anointing teaches you concerning all things, as is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:27)

 

Bottom line: Seek the Lord for your path in life. Don’t let other people hold you back and don’t hold others back. God has a Plan for each of us. We would be wise to not try to override the Plan of God. He knows far more than we do. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

 

Seek the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will……….turn the tide……..in your life.

 

Abiding in Him,         Doreen

 

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