Growing Pains

Most churches say they want to grow, but when numbers actually increase, not everyone is happy. More people often bring more challenges. This was also true for the early church. As their numbers grew, some widows were overlooked in the daily distribution of food (v. 1). There may have been an element of cultural tension in this. Those who were overlooked differed from the rest by language or custom. The Hellenistic Jews had adopted the customs of Greek culture. They would have been in the minority.

The apostles’ observation in verse 2 was not a dismissal of the problem. They recognized that this congregational concern required daily attention and would cause them to neglect their own ministry. The solution was organizational. Instead of taking on this responsibility themselves, the apostles delegated it to seven, chosen by the congregation. The fact that all had Greek names indicates that they were chosen from among the neglected group. Those who were most affected by the problem were empowered to address it. Although the task was practical, the qualifications required of those who handled it were spiritual (v. 3).

Soon after Stephen was selected as one of the seven (v. 3), recognized for his faith and wisdom, we see him face significant trouble. He preached the gospel so effectively that his opponents instigated a few troublemakers to make false claims about his teaching (v. 11). They brought him up on charges before the Sanhedrin, a kind of Supreme Court for the Jewish people, presided over by the high priest. The Sanhedrin had its own police who could make arrests, but they required confirmation of the Roman governor in cases that involved the death penalty.

>> Have you experienced growing pains in your spiritual journey? Sometimes, as God leads us into new areas of service, we will face new struggles and challenges. Remember that following Christ will not be without struggle, but it will be rewarded.

Pray with Us

Father, give us a better understanding of the struggles and conflicts in the early church. As we grow in Christ, help us avoid the same problems today. Thank you for loving your church, the Bride of Christ.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.