Spirit Full

Acts 6:1-5 In 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. 2 So 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. 3 Brothers, 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 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
 
IN the first weeks and months of the church it is reported in Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. But the “everything common” became less common as the church expanded to include a more diverse group of people. There was a history of differences between the Hebraic Jews, who lived in Israel, and the Grecian Jews, who lived in other regions. These differences caused some challenges as they began to worship Jesus together. How would the apostles respond to the Grecian Jews’ complaint their widows received too little food – and also many believe too little money – in the distribution?
   The apostles, full of the Spirit, developed a gospel-centered plan. They knew their appointed work. Instead of taking time from their ministry of the word of God, they determined to select seven qualified men to serve the widows. Who will be the seven new helpers?
   The apostles looked for men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. How would they know? To be full of is to be under the Spirit’s control. When the Spirit fills the Christian, one lives according to the Scripture’s as closely as possible. A Spirit-filled daily walk is a purposeful journey in Jesus’ footsteps. Full of the Spirit, one bears spiritual fruit, humbly understanding that life is in the Spirit’s hands, blessed in the Savior’s redemption. To be full of the Spirit is to minimize the world and maximize the Word in your life. Wisdom is your guide. Faith is your foundation.
   Note the men they chose. Stephen is mentioned first. He is a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. God has a larger role for Stephen. But for this moment, he will faithfully serve the widows because the apostles have appointed him to this.
   A faithful life will open opportunities for you to serve Jesus’ church. This is the Spirit’s wisdom to help you know you are on the right pathway toward a life full of the Spirit.