“‘Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:3–6
If you were responsible for executing a very important task and had to delegate, what kind of person would you want to delegate to? Someone who had a track record of lying? Someone who tended to steal? Someone who always ran their mouth and never listened to anyone else?
Probably not. You would want to delegate to someone who was trustworthy, had good character, and was willing and able to do the task at hand.
That’s exactly what the early church leaders did when they realized there were tangible needs arising that they themselves couldn’t fulfill. So they found men “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” and appointed them to care for the widows in their community.
Character matters. These men had to have a good reputation, the fullness of the Spirit as evidenced by its fruits, and wisdom—three characteristics you should look for in someone when delegating a task.
Read
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:8–13
- Why is having a good reputation, the Spirit, and wisdom so important for deacons?
- What other characteristics are important for deacons?
- Could you see yourself as a deacon?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you have given faithful servants to the church. Help us all to have a good reputation, show the fruits of the Spirit, and be wise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
