Friday, June 25, 2021
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:5-7
When Satan Sees An Opportunity To Divide
In Acts chapter 6 we see how the Holy Spirit is still at work building and growing the early Christian community. As they grew, they were starting to have some difficulties as Satan began to attack them a little more fervently. We know that Satan doesn’t attack unless there is a threat to him. When he sees someone or a church or an organization that is powerful for the kingdom of God, you can bet that it won’t be long before he tries really hard to bring it down. Now the new Christian community was going to have to learn how to walk through these issues with the grace and mercy a Christian is supposed to have. Satan loves nothing more than to destroy a Christian fellowship or community.
Among the early community, there were the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews. The Hellenistic Jews embraced Greek culture and regarded the Hebraic Jews as traditionalists. The Hebraic Jews embraced Jewish culture and were mostly from Judea. The conflict was that the church regarded their responsibility to help widows very seriously. Normally the temple authorities organized the distribution to the widows, but it seemed to the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were not being cared for as well as the Hebraic widows.
As in any church, it is impossible to please everyone, and someone or some group inevitably gets overlooked. It was not necessarily intentional. But when you have two groups that differ in opinion just a little, an accidental slight may be seen as purposeful. But Satan will take an accidental slight every time he can and use it to stir conflict and discontentment in the hearts of believers.
The apostles decided to have the church pick seven deacons to help with the care of the widows. It was the perfect opportunity for a church split, but they worked together to solve the problem, despite their differences. This also provided a way for others to serve by adding the seven deacons.
It is easy for the people of a church to get distracted by disagreements. Every church will have people that don’t agree 100% on everything. Satan looks for ways to get into our churches and divide the congregation, and if we are focusing on each other and what we don’t agree about, then the work of the Kingdom is going undone. (Satan’s goal) If we are thinking more about how unhappy we are with what is going on at church or with how things are done, then needs are going unmet. (Satan’s goal) It is hard, because we are human, and we have very human feelings. When we let our feelings get in the way of ministry, the Kingdom work suffers, and Satan scores a point.
And the word of God spread…
Because this situation was handled with wisdom and sensitivity to those who were offended, a potentially divisive issue was defused, and the gospel continued to spread. This is a good example for us to stay focused on God’s work and not our own desires about how things should go. When we work together for solutions, God’s work will get done, and His people will be blessed.
