The Acts of The Apostles

Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Six
(6:1-15)

Intro:

Even first century Christianity had practical problems. Any time there is a group of people gathered together there will be difficulties in attempting to satisfy everyone Each group always considers their needs to be the greatest. Acts (6) give us a prototype of how to deal with these kinds of problems.

Vs. 1-3

This might be called the first Church Business Meeting. "There arose a murmuring." Whenever you get a group of church people, sooner or later there is some murmuring.

Some folks decided that the Grecian widows weren't getting their share of the group benefits. The apostles did not have time to concern themselves with petty quarrels or the basic ever day needs of the people, so they appointed seven men to 'take care of these problems.

These men had to meet certain qualifications (vs. 3). These men are commonly know as deacons whose qualifications are discussed further in (1 Tim. 3:1-13). Some eventually moved into other parts of the ministry (Acts 21:8) (Rom. 12:7).

Vs. 4

The example is set in verse 4 for the pastor. He should pray, read, and preach the Word of God. Today the emphasis is upon everything else for the average pastor. He is expected to attend socials, teas, committee meetings, community activities, visit the old and sick, the disgruntled and backslidden - and if there is any time remaining he can study. The devil is certainly subtle!

Vs. 5-8

The whole multitude chooses these men. The business is in order and the Church continues to grow. Everyone is pleased (vs. 5), they are praying (vs. 6), the Word is increasing (vs. 7), the church membership roll is bulging (vs. 7), the Jewish Rabbis are being saved (vs. 7).

"They laid their hands on them" (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). It is apparent from (Acts 8:15; 13:3) that the laying on of hands represents a transference of something (Lev. 1:4). As sins were transferred by the laying of hands on the sacrifice, so the Jewish nation "laid hands" (Acts 4:3) on the apostles and slew Christ (Acts 2:23). The "laying on of hands" (Heb. 6:2; 1 Tim. 5:22; Acts 8:19; 14:3; 9:17; 28:8) clearly has ruling power and authority with it when administered by an apostle (2 Cor. 12:12).

Vs. 9

Libertines is a reference to a "social rank and standing, while the other names (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicia and Asia) are clearly geographical locations and ethnic references. This synagogue seems to be a gathering place for "freed men". It is taken for granted that these former slaves were all Jews, but-that is by no means clear in the context, for Acts 2:10 includes proselytes from every area around the Mediterranean.

Here is Chapter (6) we have the first mention of Antioch and Alexandria. These two cities figure very importantly in the history of manuscript evidence. Antioch is mentioned in regards to spirit-filled men, whereas Alexandra is mentioned with reference to disputers. Nothing is put in the Bible by accident. It is important to study what the Bible has to say about the centers of Biblical manuscripts. (Antioch, Alexandria and Rome.)

Vs. 10-15

Following a revival (see 5:16 and 5:42) comes the opposition. Everything that follows is so reminiscent of the arrest and trial of the Lord Jesus that no one should be surprised to see the Lord Jesus showing up at the moment of execution (Acts 7:56).

[1]. As in Christ's case, his enemies could not answer His arguments (Acts 6:10 with Matt. 22:46).

[2]. As in Christ's case, they hired false witnesses to ruin Him (Acts 6:11 with Matt, 26:60).

[3]. As in Christ's case, they accused Him of blasphemy (Acts 6:11 with Matt. 26:65).

[4]. As in Christ's case, they stirred up the people against Him (Acts 6:12 with Matt. 27:20).

[5]. As in Christ's case, they accuse Him of not reverencing the "LAW" (Acts 6:13 with Matt. 12:2).

[6]. As in Christ's case, they accused Him of forecasting the destruction of the temple (Acts 6:14 with Matt. 26:61).

[7]. Caiaphas was a priest on both occasions (Acts 7:1 with Matt. 26:65).

This same pattern follows Paul's ministry in (Acts 21-26) and is a standard operating procedure for religious persecution in any age. Every murder of Waldensians, Albigenses, Vaudios, Paulicans, Lollards, Hussites, Brethren Bogomiles, etc., was accompanied by false accusations, fear of the destruction of material institutions, resentment of the truth, mob disorders, accusations of blasphemy, and the inevitable "COUNCIL" (vs. 12)!

Within the next ten years, a church will have to have the approval of the National COUNCIL of Churches to gain tax exempt status in America. You're welcome!

"....they suborned men" (vs. 11) is the old English for a bribe. It puts the man "under" (SUB) subjection to the donor and obligates him to carry out orders (Tit. 3:11).

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