SELFLESS
April 23-24, 2016
Lesson Passage: Acts 6:1-10
Charles Lyons, Ph.D.
THE INTRODUCTION
Dr. R.H. Fitzpatrick founded the Riverdale Baptist Church in Riverdale, Maryland in the late
1960’s. He was a man of passion, commitment, strong personal character and a personal
soul winner. As the church grew from a handful of people meeting in a rented house to a
congregation of over 3,000 his attitude and work ethic remained constant. He taught both
his staff and congregation the principle of a committee of one. That concept meant if you
saw something that needed to be fixed, cleaned or accomplished, just take care of it. I still
recall coming in very early one Sunday morning only to find “Dr. Fitz” with a mop and
bucket cleaning up a problem he found in the lobby that needed to be resolved quickly.
That selfless ethic rippled through the staff and congregation in numerous practical ways.
It is too easy to forget that a selfless act or attitude can become a way of worshipping God.
William Temple, a Church of England bishop who had served as Archbishop of Canterbury,
stated that “…worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of
conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of
imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His
purpose -- and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our
nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centeredness which is our
original sin and the source of all actual sin.” (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Integrity Crisis,
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, p. 119.)
As we teach this passage, look for the sacrificial attitude that transforms an act of service
into an act of worship. Consider how a person with a servant’s heart, a selfless attitude and
a love for pleasing Jesus Christ best occupies what we can view as a leadership role in the
local church.
1. With Growth Comes Challenges Acts 6:1
In the book of Acts we see action and activity as God’s people begin to grow and multiply.
The body of believers we call the local church replicate and expand. People with a variety
of backgrounds come together in service and worship. Soon, with a mixture of cultures and
an increase in those people needing a “touch” tension and conflict begins to grow.
There are two groups referenced in this verse: the Grecians and the Hebrews. The
Grecians were Jews born in foreign lands who spoke Greek. They had a Jewish heritage,
they were part of the body of believers we have seen saved and growing but they were not
originally local to Palestine. Our second group, the Hebrews, were the Jewish Christians
“SELFLESS”
Lesson Passage: Acts 6:1-10
who lived in Palestine and used the local language of the country. The Grecians felt that
their widows were not receiving the same level of support the Hebrew Christians received.
The issue here was important but it was a surface issue. Yes, the widows needed love and
practical support to meet their needs (remember the levels of persecution taking place in
the local church.) However, the deeper issue was that as the body of Christ was growing
some members were feeling inconvenienced or forgotten.
TEACHERS:
Share examples that we experience today that are directly attributable to God is
blessing our church. For example:
•
Some are able to help visitors to our campus by parking off campus, is it
viewed as a blessing or an inconvenience?
•
Two new classes could be created where previously one Bible study class
grew in a phenomenal way. Have they been punished for their growth or
blessed to outgrow their space?
•
If you are in the choir, are you blessed to sing at multiple services on
Easter, July 4th or Christmas holidays or are you simply exhausted?
How do you view your service as a selfless opportunity to serve or as a
source of stress?
2. With Growth Comes Opportunities Acts 6:2-3
In verses two and three we see that the complaining surfaced to the apostles who were
expected to resolve the matter personally. Apparently, no one on the frontline of the
problem saw an opportunity to serve, only to complain. Fortunately, the apostles
recognized the value of delegation, which allowed members of the body of Christ to be
blessed to serve.
TEACHERS:
Take this opportunity to share some of the many service opportunities that
might appeal to your class. Perhaps highlight some of the significant past events
your class has been a part of in serving the community, such as Angels of Light or
other missions projects.
Note The Perspective…
The apostles saw their role of preparation to teach and preach God’s Word to the people
as having high value. So much so that, although the other work that needed to be done
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Lesson Passage: Acts 6:1-10
was significant, daily service to the widows could better be done by someone at a different
level.
The reference in Acts 6:2 that the Apostles would not need to be involved in serving tables
or similar wording, actually is in reference to the dispensing of resources for the needs of
the widows. (Reference Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Bible Dictionary, Volume 3, page 34.) It
would be like a pastor stopping his preparation for sermons and Bible study to officially
take over passing out food to the hungry or dispensing financial resources to the widows in
need.
Consider the volume of ministry activity that happens across our church in far more than
six different locations. For example, we may have six campuses but there are 24 primary
hospitals just in the city of Houston. Could Dr. Young prepare sermons, administrate and
daily visit every hospital just in the city limits?
Note The People Who Were Already Prepared…
The apostles instruct the crowd of believers to search amongst themselves for people
whom…
•
Had an honest reputation
•
People could see the Holy Spirit at work in their lives
•
They had demonstrated Godly wisdom
This is important for two reasons. First, we see the qualities that the apostles wanted in the
people who would be taking on this level of responsibility of selfless service to the body of
Christ. Secondly, by sending the crowd out in search of these people there is a presumption
that there are such people in the body of believers. Modern day leaders can make the
dangerous and exhausting mistake of feeling they are the best qualified to do everything. If
we are prepared to delegate we will first need to recognize that leaders also need to be
selfless and not overvalue their own worth. Secondly, when we delegate we have to trust
and empower that person or persons to accomplish the goal successfully.
3. With Growth Can Come Unity Acts 6:4-5a
Note The Two Things Not Highly Valued…
In verse 4 the apostles indicate that they will be focusing their time and attention in two
areas: prayer and the ministry of the Word. In other words, praying, studying God’s Word
and administration. Sounds great but how many churches would accept that? TEACHERS –
discuss some of the varied expectations for the modern pastor, especially at small churches.
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Lesson Passage: Acts 6:1-10
You may find it helpful to read the article at the LifeWay website comparing the activities of
effective pastors, (http://www.lifeway.com/pastors/2014/07/10/what-effective-pastors-dowith-their-time/) Nonetheless, the apostles would stay focused in selflessly praying and
staying in the Word.
As verse 5 opens, we see a powerfully simple and empowering statement. That simple
identification that the crowd of believers who a few moments ago were very upset and
divided are now united in a common goal to identify those who are qualified to serve in
leadership servant roles. A unified body of believers is powerful just as a divided group of
believers are damaging to the work of the local church. Consider:
•
Joshua 6:20 – A united group of people obey God and the walls of Jericho fall
•
Proverbs 29:2 – When following righteous leadership the people are pleased and
frustrated when the leadership lack Godly commitment.
•
2 Chronicles 29:36 – the people rejoiced, they were united since God had prepared
them for the work with Hezekiah.
•
Exodus 24:3 – God’s people were united when they responded to God’s Words
through Moses.
4. With Growth Comes Processes Acts 6:5-6
“They,” the disciples we have been talking about in this passage from the beginning are
now ready to take action. The action will happen in a series of steps. They begin by
selecting seven specific men with special qualities. Their names are like titles or surnames
given here in the text and on the surface would have little meaning for us. However, the
people of the day would recognize character traits in the men revolving around their
names. Perhaps a better way of saying it would be to say the people’s expectations were
raised regarding these men.
TEACHERS:
What’s In A Name? Perhaps a lot. You may wish to place up on a marker
board or sign your own name or others and explain what the root meaning of
the name is or means. A simple search on the internet or a name book may
provide you with this information. You could ask members of the class if any
of them know the meaning of their names. From this, you can segue to the list
of names in Acts 6:5-6 and explain their meanings.
The Men of Honest Report – The Meaning of Their Names:
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Lesson Passage: Acts 6:1-10
1. “Stephen” – Literally – Crowned
2. “Philip” – Literally – Lover of horses – (One of two Philips in the NT)
a. Philip – the deacon
b.Philip – brother of Herod Antipas, born of Cleopatra of Jerusalem and Herod
of Malthace. He built Caesarea Philippi, his step brother Herod Antipas,
married his wife unlawfully.
3. “Prochorus” – literally – Leader of the chorus
4. “Nicanor” – literally – Conqueror
5. “Timon” – literally – Honorable
6. “Parmenas” – literally – Abiding
7. “Nicolas” – literally – Victor of the people
(Name explanations available through both http://www.biblestudytools.com
and http://www.behindthename.com)
“Proselyte” – one who has come over from a Gentile religion to Judaism
The next step, found in Acts 6:6 was the process of recognizing these men and setting
them aside for service to God in the lives of the people. It is important to note that the
Apostles as leaders in the church were identifying these men publically for their role in
service. It was empowering by the authority of the local church. Note that:
…the one act proclaiming that all official gifts flowed from the Church’s
glorified Head, the other symbolizing the communication of these to the chosen
office bearers through the recognized channels. – Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Bible Commentary, Volume 3, Page 34
5. With Godly Growth Comes Power Acts 6:7-10
Verse 7 – When we work together as a church family we put ourselves in a position to be
blessed of God. Had they, the disciples and apostles, ignored the situation tension, and
division would have become more intense. By being willing to address honestly the
situation, which included not gossiping but bringing the concern to the leadership, as a
body the matter could be resolved. We should remember the value of leadership and
authority, consider Romans 3:1, Colossians 1:16, Titus 3:1 and 1 Peter 3:22.
Verse 8 – Notice that although we have several men placed in positions of selfless
leadership, verse 8 specifically draws our attention to Stephen. The Bible is clear that
supernatural power, wonders and miracles took place through Stephen. Please note
something that could easily be missed. There is no indication or reference to Stephen
showing pride or trying to make a name for himself. He is a conduit for the power of God to
flow. That is an excellent example for us to demonstrate, as God’s love and compassion to
a lonely and spiritually starving population should flow through us today.
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Lesson Passage: Acts 6:1-10
Verse 9 - Regarding the title used in verse 9, “Libertines.” Libertine denotes Jews
(according to Philo) who had been made captives of the Romans under Pompey but
were afterwards set free; and who although they had fixed their abode in Rome, had
built at their own expense a synagogue at Jerusalem which they frequented when in
that city. The name Libertines adhered to them to distinguish them from free born Jews
who had subsequently taken up their residence in Rome. Evidence seems to have been
discovered of the existence of a "synagogue of the Libertines" at Pompeii. –(Theological
Dictionary of The New Testament, Kittel)
Who was “Philo?” According Ronald Nash, Christian Research Journal article
DA242, The greatest of the Alexandrian Jewish intellectuals was Philo Judeaus,
who lived from about 25 B.C. to about A.D. 50. Philo’s work illustrates many of
the most important elements of the synthesis of Platonism and Stoicism that
came to dominate Hellenistic philosophy during and after his lifetime. He is the
best example of how intellectual Jews of the Dispersion, isolated from Palestine
and their native culture, allowed Hellenistic influences to shape their theology
and philosophy. Philo has become famous for his use of the term logos. – Please
note that additional information on this subject can be found in the book, “The
Works of Philo,” by Philo, Hendrickson Publishers, 1993
Five separate groups of Jews, foreign to Palestine, joined to argue with what Stephen was
accomplishing. Ironic that with all the need that was identified earlier in the passage, Acts
6:1-2, this group of religious people had time to debate but not apparently to serve.
Verse 10 – These who would argue with Stephen had a losing battle, human logic cannot
compare to the wisdom of God. It is interesting to note that Stephen is not described as
clever he is described as a man who has both God’s wisdom and Spirit when he speaks.
The Bible references the word wisdom 205 times. We as believers should learn not to trust
in our own knowledge or clever speaking abilities, but always lean on and seek the wisdom
of God. Consider 1 Kings 4:30, Ecclesiastes 7:12, Ecclesiastes 9:16, Proverbs 3:5.
CONCLUSION
Do we view our church as a place of problems or opportunities – Do we have a Selfless
Spirit?
Do we look for ways to serve or look for someone to serve us?
Do we resist change or prepare for it?
Do we waiver in our commitments or methodically move forward?
Do fear losing control of our surroundings or are we excited to see God at work around us?
A Selfless Attitude Can Empower both us and our Church family!
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