Inside or Outside?

Scripture – Acts 6:1-4: ¹In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ²So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Reflection: – As the church was growing, a little more organization was needed. That’s not a bad thing. When I was younger, we used to make fun of the “organized church.” And today we still need to be careful that we don’t create an organization that becomes bulky and self-serving.

In Jerusalem, some people were falling through the cracks. They were being overlooked. That’s still an issue today. There are a lot of people that are easily overlooked.

So our first century brothers and sister had a business meeting. The apostles recognized there was a need within the church even as they knew their focus in ministry was on people outside the church. So, seven people were to be chosen to handle this internal ministry of the church.

Where are you called to serve – in or outside the church?