THE KING’S BUSINESS
167
The Seven Helpers FEBRUARY 27, 1916. LESSON IX . Acts 6:1-7. (Study the entire chapter. Commit . vs. 2, 3 ).. G olden T e x t : “ Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law o f Christ.”— Gal. 6:2.
DA ILY BIBLE READINGS Mon., Feb. 21—Acts 6:1-7. (The Lesson). Tues., Feb. 22—Acts 6:8-15. (The Lesson).
Wed., Feb. 23—Matt. 10:1-15. Thurs., Feb. 24—Deut. 1 :9-18. Fri., Feb. 25—-James 2 :8-17. Sat., Feb. 26—Rom. 12:10-21. Sun., Feb. 27—Matt. 17 :l-8.
EXPOSIT ION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
the Apostles sought to set it right. Here at least, they had the advantage o f many of our churches today. A new set o f officers w§re appointed to look after this matter. It is evident that God did not at the start give the church some cut and dried form o f church government that should stand just so under all circumstances. Thè church was developed step by step under God’s providence and the- Holy Spirit’s guidance, the form o f government being expanded or changed to meet the exigen cies o f any occasion. It is impossible, to say o f any fixed form o f church govern ment, “ This, and this only, is the Divine and true and original form.” The form o f government in its details, not in its prin ciples, will change as conditions change and new needs arise. The Holy Spirit is in the church to show what to do, what officers and servants to appoint to meet each new exigency as it arises. One thing that the twelve said should sink into the hearts o f all o f us today, viz., “ It is not reason (literally, “pleasing,” that is, to God) that we should leave the W ord of God and serve tables.” But this which the Apostles said was not “pleasing” to God is the very thing the church in many places wishes the minister o f the Gospel to do today, to “leave the W ord o f God and
v. 1. "And (now) in those (these) days, when the number of the disciples was mul tiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians (Grecian Jews) against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” Here again we see that there was imperfection and selfishness in the early church. There' was suspicion and jealousy on the one hand, "and unfair treatment o f others on the other hand. One part thought they did not get due consideration. Apparently there was. ground for the suspicion and complaint. There was certainly fault on one side, if not on both sides. But while some may have been neglected, the many were cared for. As a rule the church was looking after its poor. Is that the rule today? They were not only looking after them, but were looking after them “ daily.” vs. 2, 3. “And the twelve called the mul titude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason (fit) that we should leave (forsake) the Word o f God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out (look ye out therefore, brethren, from) among you seven men of honest (good) report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (full o f the Spirit and of wisdom), whom we may appoint over this business. No sooner did the difficulty come to light than
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker