Э.Г. Уайт - История спасения - Глава 35. Евангельское правило - текст песни, слова, перевод, видео

(Acts 6:1-7)

The followers of Christ were multiplying throughout the world. At one point, "there arose a murmuring among the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of their needs." The Hellenists were Jews living in the Greek-speaking countries of the Roman Empire. There were many more converted Jews who spoke Hebrew. There began to be a murmuring among the Hellenists that their widows were in an unequal position compared to the Jewish widows in the daily distribution of material aid. Any division of this kind grieves God. Therefore, urgent measures had to be taken to restore peace and harmony among the believers.

The Holy Spirit offered a way by which the apostles could be freed from the duty of distributing material aid to the needy and from other similar burdensome tasks, so that they could devote all their time to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said, 'It is not right for us to leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, choose from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and let us appoint them to this office; but we will continue steadfastly in prayer and the ministry of the word.'"

Following this decision, the Church chose seven men, full of faith and wisdom and the Spirit of God, to deal with these matters. The first to be chosen was Stephen. He was a Jew by birth and religious upbringing, but he could speak Greek and was familiar with the customs and manners of the Greeks. Therefore, everyone agreed that he should become the eldest among all the brothers chosen for this service and that he should oversee the distribution and distribution of material assistance to widows, orphans, the poor and the destitute. This choice met with a favorable response among the believers, and the discontent subsided.

Seven men, chosen for this ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands, were solemnly ordained to the office of deacon. These seven brothers cared for the needs of the poor, but they were not deprived of the opportunity to instruct people in the faith. It is recorded that "Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." The deacons were well prepared to teach the people the truth. At the same time, they were men of discernment, calmness, and discretion, able to resolve the most difficult issues, such as disputes, jealousies, and murmurings.

The selection of seven brothers for the current affairs of the Church freed the apostles for the special ministry of preaching the Gospel and brought abundant blessings from God to the Church. This had a beneficial effect on the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church. "And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith."

How important it is that the same order and system be maintained in the Church today as in the days of the apostles. Success depends in a great measure upon the management of the various departments of the Church by able and qualified brethren. Those whom God has chosen to take the lead in carrying on His work, directing and coordinating the whole spiritual life of the Church, should, as far as possible, be free from temporal cares and anxieties. Those whom the Lord has called to minister by word of mouth should have time for meditation, prayer, and the study of the Scriptures. Their clear spiritual vision will be impaired if they are engaged in the smallest details of affairs, and in settling all disputes and conflicts among the members of the Church. All minor and current questions should be left to the specially appointed ministers. But if the question is so complex as to perplex the minister who is handling it, the one who has charge of the whole Church should be consulted.