Choosing the Best

The early church faced explosive growth, but with growth came problems. In Acts 6, the Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. What seemed like a simple logistical issue threatened to divide the church and derail its mission. The apostles responded by calling the congregation to select seven men of high character—full of the Spirit, wise, and with a good reputation—to serve tables and protect the unity of the body.

This passage reveals the origin of the office of deacon and highlights that true spiritual leadership is not about status, but about service. The apostles honored this office by selecting the best men for what some might consider the most menial of tasks. As Alexander Strauch notes, “The congregation chose its best to care for its least.”

The message will show how deacons safeguard the health and unity of the church through humble service, and how all believers are called to model their lives after the greatest servant—Jesus Christ.