Turning the World Upside Down: Muting Murmering: Acts 6:1-7

I. The Problem vs. 1-2

A. There was a problem between the Greek speaking Jews and the Hebrew/Aramaic speaking Jews. Before Pentecost the Pharisees taught the people to look down on the Hellenistic Jews because they were not from Israel. When Israel was carried away to Babylon many went other places and stayed. Once they turned and got stable many returned, but never learned Hebrew as they were brought up in other countries. So they looked down on them. “However, conversion (wonderful as it was) did not erase all their prejudices”- R. Kent Hughes. (North vs. South ex)

B. The twelve apostles couldn’t keep up with the ministry. They’re needed to be someone to handle the day to day organization, and administration of the church. God did not call pastors to be administrators, but to preach and care for the flock.

C. Sometimes in order do care for the flock you’ve got to delegate.

II. The Solution vs. 3-6

A. The deacons had to have a good reputation both inside and outside the church.

B. They needed to be Spirit filled before they had their business smarts because you need men of prayer who will handle God’s business, God’s way. Then comes wisdom, but it is empowered not by a degree or job but rather time in prayer.

C. The apostles did what was best for the church.

D. All the deacons here have Greek names, meaning that the whole agreed to this, that the minority in this situation should be the voice of those who had the complaint. (Tony Evans & Kevin Smith on CRT ex)

E. Nicholas was a Gentile convert to Judaism who converted to Christianity. Possibly the first Gentile believer, though he wouldn’t be considered a Gentile once he converted to Judaism.

III. The Results vs. 7

A. When the church gets organized God’s way then it will grow.

1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB95

But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

B. We have to prayerfully handle problems, and let the Holy Spirit guide u, as He did the apostles here.

C. After the world saw prejudice being taken care of in the church, others took note, and got saved. (Sunday is the most segregated hour in America ex)