Acts 6:1-7
Ps Paul Cheng
“…those who really obeyed the gospel, and by repentance and faith are separated from the world…”
~7 min read
Dear Bethelites,
Every three years, Australia would be conducting the general election. Debates between opposing parties were held on national television, fanciful budget plans were proposed, promises were made, previous successes were highlighted while past failures were dug up. Different sentiments of the general public, both positive and negative, were splattered across the media and popularity polls were constantly updated. Obviously, the people were divided. This is a common depiction of a secular election.
Soon, Bethel BP Church would also be conducting her 40th Annual Congregational Meeting. But God forbids that this should be a portrayal of the way spiritual businesses are conducted in the Church. The Church (ekklesia) means “called out ones” i.e. composed of those called out from the world and assembled. These “called out ones” are the effectually called, those who really obeyed the gospel, and by repentance and faith are separated from the world. In The Church and Its Polity, Charles Hodge said, “The Church, considered as the communion of saints, is holy. Where the Spirit of God is, there is holiness… The Church, considered as the communion of saints, is one in faith. The Spirit of God leads His people into all truth. He takes the things of Christ, and shows them unto all truth. They are all taught of God.”
For a long time, it has been my burden to write to you on how the Church ought to approach the Lord’s business with great care, especially in this matter of casting votes. Bethel BP Church belongs to the Almighty God. Under no circumstance, should we make decisions pertaining to the Lord’s ministry based on secular methods, personal feelings and worldly attitudes. Let us consider how the early Church was committed to select able spiritual men to serve in Acts 6:1-7.
With understanding The Church at Jerusalem was led by the apostles. As the apostles were committed to prayer and the ministry of the Word, souls were brought to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church grew. But there was a situation in Acts 6:1, And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Contentions arose because the Greek-speaking Jews thought that most of the daily provisions were going to the Jewish widows. They were the minority and they felt forsaken. The phrase their widows were neglected in the daily ministration only states the fact that they were neglected but it did not imply that the apostles were bias and to be blamed for the oversight. Nonetheless, it is a lesson for the leaders of the Church that we must be careful to always be impartial and not to stumble anyone.
With their many duties, the apostles were unable to effectively care for the needs of all the widows. This situation was very similar to Moses judging the people of Israel in Exodus 18. Moses’ father-in-law Jethro advised him to choose able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. This advice helped to ease the burden on Moses. In a similar fashion, the apostles also attempted to solve the problem, Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables (v.2).
Due to their leadership role, the apostles had to assume the responsibility to care for the needy but this secondary task should not hinder their primary duty of teaching and preaching the gospel of salvation, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (v.4). So the Church was tasked to look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (v.3). 1
How do people select leaders in the modern Churches? Some people would select leaders based on worldly criteria such as social status, academic achievements and wealth, while others would select leaders based on their mutual relationships and friendships. Too often, people would walk into an Annual Congregational Meeting and cast their votes for the leaders based on their own individual preferences. Sadly, this has never been God’s order.
The Church must choose men of honest report; whether in the Church or outside the Church, whether at home or in the workplace, or everywhere. Men who are full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, which means they are godly, living their lives in the power of the Holy Spirit and with the wisdom to apply God’s truth to the situations of everyday life. As the Church was committed in the work of finding those seven capable men, verse 5 says, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. 2
How can the Church know that these were godly spiritual men? They were to look ye out (episkeptomai) which means to seek out, select or inspect. You cannot know the spiritual qualities of these men unless you prudently study their lives through a period of trying, examining and proving them, and prayerfully understanding what the will of the Lord is (cf. Psalm 26:2; 1 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1; Ephesians 5:17). In the process of electing church officers, it would be most devastating for someone who does not understand the work, effort, strength, weaknesses and short-falls of the candidate to cast a vote, either in favour or against him.
With much prayers Walking through any shopping mall today, one is likely to see people lining up at the lottery booths to “take a chance” on being the “lucky” winner of the millions of dollars, even though they know that winning the “big prize” would also be one in a million. In fact, much in life seems to be a lottery to unbelievers. But for the believers, life and its circumstances rest in the sovereign will and purpose of the Almighty God. Who directed the Midianites on their journey to Egypt at the very moment that Joseph was cast into the pit? Who guided Pharaoh’s daughter to the river just when the ark with the baby Moses was committed to the waters? Who prepared the great fish at the very time and place when Jonah’s lot was cast? Was it all by chance or coincidence? It is most tragic when the believer fails to see the hand of God overruling the events of life to fulfil His will, even in the most casual contingencies and most certainly in the matter of casting votes. Proverbs 16:33 says, The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
If God is sovereignly in control, then we ought to be prayerful in making decisions in every aspect of our life. So, after the Church presented the godly spiritual men before the apostles, they acknowledged God’s hand and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them (v.6).
On another occasion in Acts 1, the disciples of Christ came together in the Upper Room with one accord in prayer and supplication as they considered who should take over the place of Judas Iscariot. They had to consider someone who was not only a witness of Jesus Christ and also of His resurrection, and subsequently they appointed two men named Joseph and Matthias (v.13-14). And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen (Acts 1:24). Finally, the lot fell upon Matthias and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
With participation The apostles commanded the people to look ye out among you which means these are gifted men from within their own ranks whom God has raised up in their own congregation. As the people mutually participated in the Lord’s work, they recognised the giftedness of certain individuals and acknowledged that these are the men whom God has called to serve His Church. The apostles then laid their hands on them. This first occasion in the New Testament of laying on of hands signified the identification and affirmation of the Church with these men and the support of their ministry. From the lay members to the leaders of the Church, everyone participated in this work.
Would you allow someone who does not understand the different challenges and issues of your home, to decide on your family matters? Most certainly not! We need people who are involved and committed, and who understand the dynamics of the different ministries of the church to come together to make vital decisions pertaining to the well-being of the church.
In Bethel BPC, we believe that making decisions and casting votes cannot be performed haphazardly. It must be committed in accordance with the Word of God, and the people must cast their votes with understanding, with much prayer and with participation.
With love in Christ, Pastor Paul
1 Though these men were never particularly called deacons, but nonetheless the words ministration and serve come from the Greek word diakonia from where we get our English word for deacon. Most Church fathers believed these were the first deacons because they were certainly an appropriate model for deacons. 2 The name Stephen actually means “a crown.” In a sense he received a crown of righteousness when he died a martyr’s death and he certainly fits the requirement as a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. Philip was later known as Philip the evangelist, the one who ministered to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8.
STANDALONE2023 ACM Preamble2023 ACM Preamble1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Essential Attitudes for the New YearEssential Attitudes for the New Year1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyJerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyNumbers 6:24-26
Pr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonyPr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonySelected Scriptures
The Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneThe Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneSelected Scriptures
Five Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonFive Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonSelected Scriptures
Charles Spurgeon on ChristmasCharles Spurgeon on ChristmasSelected Scriptures
Eulogies for Eliana GanEulogies for Eliana GanSelected Scriptures
Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Selected Scriptures
Qualifications For Deacons And Deaconesses (Part 1)Qualifications For Deacons And Deaconesses (Part 1)1 Timothy 3:8-12
The Qualifications Of EldersThe Qualifications Of Elders1 Timothy 3:1-7
How Must We Cast Votes?How Must We Cast Votes?Acts 6:1-7
Election, A Difficult Doctrine?Election, A Difficult Doctrine?1 Peter 1:2a
What About Modern-Day Dating?What About Modern-Day Dating?Selected Scriptures
The Church Is Responsible For Encouraging The Believers Through FellowshipThe Church Is Responsible For Encouraging The Believers Through FellowshipSelected Scriptures
Will Heaven Be Your Eternal Home?Will Heaven Be Your Eternal Home?Selected Scriptures
Church’s Responsibility To Implement Discipline (Part 1)Church’s Responsibility To Implement Discipline (Part 1)Selected Scriptures
The Fear Of The LordThe Fear Of The LordProverbs 1:7
Nevertheless… Thou Has Left Thy First LoveNevertheless… Thou Has Left Thy First LoveRevelation 2:4-5
What Is The Goal Of The Christian Life?What Is The Goal Of The Christian Life?Philippians 3:17
What About Evangelism? (Part 2)What About Evangelism? (Part 2)Selected Scriptures
What About Evangelism? (Part 1)What About Evangelism? (Part 1)Selected Scriptures
Dull Of HearingDull Of HearingHebrews 5:11-14
Not Forsaking The Assembling Of The SaintsNot Forsaking The Assembling Of The SaintsHebrews 10:25
A Short ReportA Short ReportSelected Scriptures
The Responsibility Of The Church To Strengthen The Believer Through PrayersThe Responsibility Of The Church To Strengthen The Believer Through PrayersSelected Scriptures
Living In The Fulness Of The SpiritLiving In The Fulness Of The SpiritEphesians 5:18
The Importance Of The Church — Church MembershipThe Importance Of The Church — Church Membership1 Timothy 3:15
The Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church GovernmentThe Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church GovernmentSelected Scriptures
The Man Of SorrowThe Man Of SorrowIsaiah 53:1-12
The Triumphant EntryThe Triumphant EntryMatthew 21:1-9
A Matter To Commit To PrayerA Matter To Commit To PrayerSelected Scriptures
A Short TestimonyA Short TestimonySelected Scriptures
My Son, Be Strong!My Son, Be Strong!2 Timothy 2:1-7
Testimony & EncouragementTestimony & EncouragementSelected Scriptures
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short Reflection“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short ReflectionEphesians 5:18-33
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)Ephesians 5:1-18
The Man Of GodThe Man Of God1 Timothy 6:11-14
A Time To Build (Part 2)A Time To Build (Part 2)Ephesians 4:11-13
A Time To Build (Part 1)A Time To Build (Part 1)Ephesians 4:11-13
The Greatest Assurance In LifeThe Greatest Assurance In Life2 Peter 1:10
New YearNew YearProverbs 16:33
But Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartBut Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartLuke 2:19
My Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaMy Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaLuke 1:78
10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And Ministry10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And MinistryBefore You JudgeBefore You JudgeMatthew 7:3-5
Greetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerGreetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerSelected Scriptures
Greetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchGreetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 39th AnniversaryA Blessed 39th AnniversaryGalatians 1:10-12
Reaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyReaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyProverbs 3:5-6
YPG Camp TestimonyYPG Camp TestimonyProverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24
Honour The WidowsHonour The Widows1 Timothy 5:3
A Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenA Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenPsalm 133:1
The Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentThe Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentJohn 7:39, 14, 16
Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Selected Scriptures
The Lord’s ComingThe Lord’s ComingSelected Scriptures
Commemorating The Passion WeekCommemorating The Passion WeekSelected Scriptures
Update For CongregationUpdate For Congregation1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Comfort For A New YearComfort For A New Year2 Samuel 22:47
The Meaning Of ChristmasThe Meaning Of ChristmasWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 38th AnniversaryA Blessed 38th Anniversary1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Now Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimNow Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimJoshua 24:14
2024 YPG Camp2024 YPG Camp1 Corinthians 13
An Example Of The BelieversAn Example Of The Believers1 Timothy 4:12
True Life BPC CampTrue Life BPC CampSelected Scriptures
The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024Selected Scriptures
Christ Lifted Up!Christ Lifted Up!John 12:32-33
A Willing HeartA Willing HeartExodus 35:5
A Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchA Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
God Sent His SonGod Sent His SonMatthew 21:33-46