August 22, 2022

Passage Read: Acts 6-7
Meditation Verses: 6:2-5

Thought

The apostles, though twelve, couldn't do it all. They were not unwilling to do good, but the need to teach and commune with God was greater than the need to care for the widows. Instead they called for seven men, filled with the Spirit, who would be set apart to care for the widows, and the people were pleased with the plan. The people agreed that the apostles needed to focus on prayer and teaching the Word, and they were glad to have godly men responsible for the widows. The people weren't upset that the apostles refused to personally oversee this need, but grateful that more people would be available to care for the needs of the growing community.

Application

Prayer and the Word are priorities that must not be slighted, but practical needs are also important. However, physical needs should never eclipse spiritual needs. The leaders must be dedicated to teaching and prayer. Others need to be set apart to meet the physical needs, especially when the community is as large as theirs was. A smaller church can get by with few leaders covering all the needs. But if I become a shepherd, I need to make prayer and teaching my priority.