These notes accompany the sermon found here.

The Problem

• A lapse in Care. Acts 6:1, 2:44, 4:32, 24:17; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; James 1:27; Dt. 15:4, 11; Isaiah 1:17, 23;
• A Sin of Partiality? Acts 6:1, 2:5;  Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11;  James 2:1-9;
• A Lack of Love and Faith. John 13:34-35; James 2:15-17.
• A Threat to the Apostles’ Priorities. Acts 2:42; Acts 6:2, 4, 7; Ephesians 4:11-12;

The Solution

• Pick out from among You. Acts 6:3.
• Men of Good Repute, Full of the Spirit, and of Wisdom. Acts 6:3;  1 Timothy 3:8-13.
• Whom We Will Appoint. Acts 13:2-3, 14:23.
• DEACONS:  Acts 6:1-7;  1 Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1.
  • The word from which we get “deacon” is from a root meaning to serve.  From the same root, we find “distribution” in Acts 6:1; “to serve” in Acts 6:2; and “ministry” in Acts 6:4.
  • Whether we translate the noun form as “servant” or “Deacon” depends upon the context.  In 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Philippians 1:1, we see the word in parallel to the office of “elder” or “overseer.”  Therefore, we recognize it there to be talking about an office.  In Acts 6:1-7, we see that these men are appointed to a specific duty with great formality, and therefore recognize this passage to be speaking of the formation of the first Deacon office holders.

The Result

Acts 6:7, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

The Lessons

• This shows us the heart of Christ. Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 5:28-30; Deuteronomy 15:4, 11.

“The local church is the context in which Jesus Christ meets the needs of the members of His body.”

• Meet the Needs of One Another.
• Avoid Partiality in Ministry.
• Bring Your Needs to the Congregation.