Life on Mission: Diversity in Unity

Our first text this week comes from Acts 13:1-3…

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, 

Barnabas,

Simeon who was called Niger, 

Lucius of Cyrene,

Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and

Saul. 

  While they were worshiping the Lord

                      and fasting,      the Holy Spirit said, 

“Set apart for me

           Barnabas and Saul

                  for the work to which I have called them.” 

           Then after fasting and praying

           they laid their hands on them

                                  and sent them off.

I offer a few simple observations on this passage before we move to Romans 12.

First, we would be amiss if we failed to notice the diverse (both multi-ethnic and multi-class) group of men listed as leaders in the church of Antioch.

• Barnabas is listed first, likely since he was sent from Jerusalem to assist in the development of the church. We know that he was a native of Cyprus and had the nickname, “Son of Encouragement” and was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (11:24).
• Simeon called Niger (a Latin word for "dark") so literally “Simeon the Dark”, may actually be a variant spelling of the Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross (Mt. 27:32; Mk 15:21; Lk 23:26). Cyrene is an area in North Africa west of Egypt and east of ancient Carthage in what is now modern Libya.
• Lucius of Cyrene was likely one of the original persecution-driven evangelists who came to Antioch and founded the church as mentioned in an earlier post (Acts 11:19-20).
• Manaen whose name means “comforter” is described as “a life-long friend of Herod the tetrarch” and may refer to a foster child brought into a royal home as a permanent playmate for an heir. This gives us insight into how the gospel was reaching higher-class homes as well.
• Saul (of Tarsus the Jewish name of Paul) had been sought out by Barnabas and brought to Antioch to help with the heavy load of teaching (11:25-26). The name “Saul” is used here, in this narrative, for the last time except for when Paul is recounting his own conversion story. From the middle of Chapter 13 on, Saul is known as Paul.

Robertson comments on the phrase, Prophets and teachers (v.1), “All prophets are teachers, but not all teachers are prophets who were for-speakers of God, sometimes fore-speakers like Agabus in 11:28.” If only all our teachers functioned prophetically as well!

Second, there was shared leadership in the church and their focus was obeying the Lord and working for the good of all. Multiple leadership, through the “prophets and teachers,” is probably not exhaustive of all the gifts and callings operating in Antioch at that time.

Third, the Church was notified that Paul and Barnabas were being “reassigned” by the Holy Spirit himself, either through the prophets in their midst or within all their hearts. Such direction came in a time of worshipping the Lord together. Luke uses the word leitourgeo for worship. While originally used “for those who served the state at their own cost. Here of prayer, exhortation, fasting.” The sending of Paul and Barnabas was not the idea of the church but the revelation of the Spirit. However, they readily confirmed their commission. Lloyd Ogilvie once wrote of the value of such community confirmation of leading.

Over the years I have found that my best decisions have been made when I thought and felt a direction through prolonged prayer and consecrated thinking, and then waited for a spontaneous, unsolicited affirmation of that through some person who I know prays for me consistently. The combination seldom fails to be right.[1]

Fourth, the church willingly sent them off for a specific purpose. I “Dad-joked” in my message that they were sent off into the sunset “on a spotted horse,” since the Greek word for “sent” is ἀπέλυσαν  or “appaloosan” which sounds like the famous horses bred by the Nez Pierce nation in the American west. Humor aside, Marshall points out that,

"The importance of the present narrative is that it describes the first piece of planned ‘overseas mission’ carried out by representatives of a particular church, rather than by solitary individuals, and begun by a deliberate church decision, inspired by the Spirit, rather than somewhat more casually as a result of persecution." [2]

Peterson also adds an important concept regarding discerning and releasing leadership,

"Effective Christian leaders will likewise see the need to discern God’s gifting for ministry in others, to support (and where necessary to train) those whom God is leading to local ministry or mission elsewhere, and to affirm them by acts of ordination or commissioning (14:23; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 1:5-9)... 

    The revelation of the Holy Spirit in 13:2 was God’s way of showing the leaders of the church something of his plan for Barnabas and Saul, so that they might willingly release them from their responsibilities at Antioch and prayerfully support them in their God-given mission." [3]

The church in Antioch modeled a releasing ministry. They didn’t hold too tightly to their leaders nor did they send them out with no hope of return. It was not an exclusion from the body, but releasing to a specific Spirit-anointed ministry from which Paul and Barnabas would return and report. Acts 14:26 says that they “had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.” After they had completed that mission the team returned to Antioch to report and allow them to hear the results of their sacrifice and prayer.

If the church is called to live a life on mission, then what should that life look like? Paul later wrote a letter to the church in Rome that answered just such a question.

Romans 12: A picture of their Redeemed Life Together (on Mission)

A) “A Living Sacrifice” (12:1-2)

     I appeal to you therefore, brothers, 

                              by the mercies of God, 

                   to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,         

                     holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 

    Do not be conformed to this world, 

        but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

                                that by testing you may discern

                             what is the will of God,

        what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We are not our own property…we have been bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Paul and company realized that they were in the service of the true King and went where they were sent. Their lives were living sacrifices, for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Worship is the act of our whole life as an expression of love unto Jesus Christ.

“But there is more to be said, because when man is made right with his Maker, he needs to know what difference this makes in his relations with his fellowmen. He needs to know what is expected of him and how to apply his new resources to all the situations confronting him. This last main section of the Epistle is designed to meet these needs (cf. Eph 4:1).” [Richard N. Longenecker in EBC]

Though Greek thought was prone to consider the body the receptacle containing the soul, this was not the Hebraic concept, which viewed man as a unit. So it should be clear that Paul is not urging the dedication of the body as an entity distinct from the inner man. Rather, he views the body as the vehicle that implements the desires and choices of the redeemed spirit. It is essential for making contact with the society in which the believer lives. Through the body we serve. [EBC]

Complementary to the refusal to be conformed to the pattern of this world is the command to be "transformed." The two processes are viewed as going on all the time, a continual renunciation and renewal. Our pattern here is Christ, who refused Satan's solicitations in the temptation and was transfigured (metamorphoo—the same word as that translated "transformed") in his acceptance of the path that led to Calvary (Mark 9:2, 3).

B) They are Gifts of Grace not Because of our Face (v.3)

  For by the grace given to me

                                 I say to everyone among you 

                not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think,

                but to think with sober judgment, 

                                    each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 

Longenecker notes “that one's faith should provide the basis for a true estimation of himself, since it reveals that he, along with other believers, is dependent on the saving mercy of God in Christ... To be sure, that ought to induce humility.” [EBC] Have we gotten that message? Does our faith lead us in humility to kneel before the cross or has that idea been reduced to a sticker on the back window of somebody else's truck? To what degree are we trusting Jesus for our salvation?

C) All for One, and One for All (v. 4-8)

  For as in one body we have many members, 

                                            and the members do not all have the same function, 

                        so we, though many, are one body in Christ,

                               and individually members one of another. (v.4-5)

“Three truths are here set forth:

• the unity of the body; 
• the diversity of its members, with corresponding diversity in function; and, 
• the mutuality of the various members— “each member belongs to all the others." [Romans 12:4 in Expositors Bible Commentary or EBC]

Does our life together embody such ideals? Or are we merely a voluntary collection of individuals seeking to meet our own needs in proximity to others?

         Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,

                             let us use them:

  if                   prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 

  if                   service,     in our serving;

  the one who teaches,    in his teaching; 

  the one who exhorts,     in his exhortation;

  the one who contributes, in generosity; 

  the one who leads,        with zeal [diligence];

  the one who does acts of mercy,

                                         with cheerfulness. (v. 6-8)

Let’s take time today to affirm such gifts in our midst!

Prophecy: the nature of the gift is not primarily prediction, but the communication of revealed truth that will both convict and build up the hearers.

Service: the narrower meaning of service as a ministration to the material needs of believers is probable here. The need for this to be led without discrimination is evidenced in Acts 6 when the church quickly corrected its internal inequity. Some are gifted in the practical leadership of helping ministries.

Teaching: The EBC helpfully explains that the likely aim in such “teaching” was to give help in the area of Christian living rather than formal instruction in doctrine, “even though it must be granted that the latter is needed as a foundation for the former… Paul himself gives a notable example of teaching in verses 9-21. In the latter part of this section, his considerable use of the Old Testament suggests that early Christian teachers were largely dependent on it for their instruction.” [EBC]

Exhorting: is the translation of the Greek paraklesis, which has a variety of meanings. Only the context can indicate whether the most suitable rendering is "encouragement", "exhortation", or "comfort." Assuredly some encouragement could be included, but exhortation seems to be the dominant meaning. [EBC]

Contributes: Refers not so much to the regular tithes and offerings which are given in worship gatherings but to private giving to another person in need. Another aspect of such giving is that it is done with “simplicity, without pretense, without looking down on the other] with singleness of heart, free of mixed motives, without regret (over having given so much).” [EBC]

Leadership: is the translation of a word that means to stand before others, so the idea of governing derives readily from it. The need is for one to carry out his ministry "diligently." Even in church work, some people are tempted to enjoy the office rather than use it as an avenue for diligent service. [EBC] How quick are we to use our leadership gifts to serve others instead of elevating ourselves? As we have seen in our political leadership, some leaders are quick to decide for themselves what is best for the people and manifest such leadership in condescending or elitist tones. The word diligence (spoudē) suggests not only a quickness to help but a steadfastness in continuing to help however needed over the long-term.

Acts of Mercy: This is not another reference to generosity in giving but has to do with ministering to the sick and needy. Such mercy is “to be done in a cheerful, spontaneous manner that will convey blessing rather than engender self-pity.” [EBC]. I always try to make people laugh which is hard on those who have just had heart surgery. They have to hug the little pillows tight when I come to visit them. I figure it is biblical, since “cheerfulness” translates “hilarotēs, to try to make them laugh.

 

D) Marks of the True Christian –The DNA of Jesus present in his Church (v.9-21)

  Let love be genuine. 

                Abhor what is evil;

        hold fast to what is good.

        Love one another with brotherly affection. 

     Outdo one another in showing honor. 

    Do not be slothful in zeal, 

                be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

   Rejoice in hope, 

                be patient in tribulation, 

                be constant in prayer. 

   Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

   Bless those who persecute you;

    bless and do not curse them.

   Rejoice with those who rejoice,

       weep with those who weep. 

   Live in harmony with one another. 

      Do not be haughty,

                        but associate with the lowly. 

       Never be wise in your own sight. 

    Repay no one evil for evil,

                        but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 

    If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

    Beloved, never avenge yourselves,

                        but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 

                             “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 

   To the contrary, 

“if your enemy is hungry, feed him;

 if he is thirsty,                  give him something to drink;

                  for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

    Do not be overcome by evil,

                        but overcome evil with good.

If we were to take the description from the verses above to make a composite sketch what stands out in the description of a Christian? Certainly, we should notice the prominent presence of love (2x), joy (3x), hope, one another (3x), non-retaliation (3x), blessing others (even your enemy), and the command to overcome which peals loudly in the Book of Revelation.

May we be a church that looks, acts, speaks, and thinks more like Jesus all the time…the kind of church that cannot be hidden!

---

[1] Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Acts [The Communicator’s Commentary Vol 5], 206.

[2] I. Howard Marshall, Acts of the Apostles [Tyndale NTC Vol. 5], 214.

[3] David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles [Pillar NTC], 376-377.

The Magnificent Spirit-Filled Seven (Acts 6:1-8)

A Brief Study in Just Conflict Resolution

It’s hard for me to read this passage and not think about the classic Western movie, The

Magnificent Seven, when a poor Mexican village, oppressed by a cruel criminal gang seeks the help of a flawed group of gunfighters in their pursuit of justice. While there was no cruelty or active injustice in our passage in Acts 6, there were seven men chosen to deliver a marginalized community from an injustice. We too are called by God to combat injustice and contend for “the least of these” but we are not to use the weapons of this world but cooperate with the Holy Spirit in his work of reconciliation (2 Cor.10:3-5).

Let’s look at this text together…

1) The Problem: Growing Pains (v.1)

 Now in these days 

                   when the disciples were increasing

                                                                 in number,

                   a complaint by the Hellenists arose

                               against the Hebrews

                      because their widows

                                               were being neglected

                                                            in the daily distribution.

The context of this first major problem in the early church is that of rapid and sustained growth. The apostles were focused on evangelism and discipleship, but their ministry structure needed a tune-up. They were experiencing growing pains. Both groups were Jewish, however, they didn’t really speak each other’s language. The Hebrews were Aramaic-speaking native residents of Israel, while the Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews from the dispersion. Apparently, there were Hellenist widows, who likely came to Jerusalem to live out their last years. At that moment, they were not getting a fair share of the food distributed to the poor. Likely it was not intentional, however, we tend to pay more attention to those who are the most like us. The language difficulties certainly would not have helped. If this issue was not dealt with justly, and completely, it would certainly have been a stumbling block to growth. In many communities today, there is residual passive racism that must be dealt with if the Word of God is to spread! We may not understand each other’s culture or speak their language, or personally know their hurts but we must come together in one heart and soul—to listen to their concern and to act together to correct injustice. We are all commissioned as ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:16-20).

Lessons:

• If there are problems in the church, don’t let them linger or they will put down roots of bitterness. This is not a justification for a critical complaining spirit, but a challenge to respectfully bring serious concerns to those in leadership roles. John 17:22-23 says that one of our greatest apologetics for Jesus being the Christ is our being "perfectly one" and not divided along racial, cultural, and linguistic lines.
• As a corollary to this let me caution you, don’t assume that your leaders are already aware of the problem. Often people leave their church over an issue the pastor was unaware of. We need to be more relational than that and actually have an honest conversation before we make any decision to leave.
• With growth come challenges and for growth to continue those challenges must be addressed, especially in regard to social justice.

2) Their Response: It’s Not Right (v.2)

  And the twelve summoned            the full number

                        of the disciples and said,

“It is not right that we should

                                       give up preaching      the word of God

                                                          to serve tables.

At first glance, this answer might be off-putting. However, this response doesn’t deny the problem or suggest that serving tables was beneath their dignity. It was just not their specific mission. Instead, it was a confession of inadequacy. I. Howard Marshal said it well.

“They responded to the criticism which was ultimately directed against themselves by recognizing that the combined task of teaching and poor relief was too great for them.” (Marshall, Acts, 126)

When the church grows quickly, those who are called to evangelism, discipleship, and prayer are often forced into more administrative roles. I love the Apostles’ steadfastness in fulfilling their specific calling, without ignoring the valid problem. This situation is similar to Exodus 18 when Moses was worn out by judging all the issues of all the people. His father-in-law, Jethro, suggested that he empower qualified men to judge the majority of the mundane cases and pass the more serious ones to Moses.

Lessons:

• A faithful ministry will require us to decide between the best and the good.
• Leaders need to be honest when something is beyond their ability and get help. 
• It is important for us to know our God-given role.

3) Therefore… a Solution is Proposed (v.3)

  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.”

We have seen too many issues over the years that have been swept under the rug or dealt with slowly and ineffectively. That was not the case in Acts 6. The apostles knew that they were not the ones to fix the problem, but they did come up with a pretty good plan!  Let’s walk through the process revealed here.

• “You pick”: The apostles didn’t micromanage the situation but released the selection of those who would address the problem to those who would be served by them.
• “From among you”: In language that is reminiscent of the requirements for a high priest, we see the first indications of the rapid incorporation of indigenous leadership in order to correct this oversight in the care of the poor. They were given three criteria to use in the selection process: 
1. Men of good repute, 
2. Full of the Spirit (for injustice is not merely a natural problem but a spiritual issue),
3. Full of wisdom (needed for the complexity of the situation). 
• What did they mean by “Full”, i.e. filled up (as opposed to empty)… a) of hollow vessels; b) of a surface, covered in every part; c) of the soul, thoroughly permeated with. Inside, outside, and throughout they were to be in obedience to, in relationship with, and empowered by the Holy Spirit! This was the important thing, upon which their works and words were based. Note that they weren’t chosen on the basis of wealth and power, and neither is there any indication that these men were campaigning for this position.
• “Seven men”: The apostles called for a full team to face the challenge. It was a Jewish custom to appoint seven men to deal with various issues in the community. This was no halfway symbolic appeasement, but a powerful statement of their total commitment to correct this social injustice.
• “We will appoint”:  After the people chose the seven men, then the apostles would put them in charge of making it right. Authority and responsibility go together. Responsibility without authority only brings frustration. This was no token panel but in today’s language a fully-funded, fully-staffed task force. In addition, the text gives no indication that they were commissioned as “deacons.” Ironically, “ministry” (diakonia) the word from which we get “deacon” is only used here of the Apostles, not of the seven. This assignment was not necessarily a permanent one but seems to have been tied to the problem at hand. Later, all these men moved on to other places and roles of kingdom service.
• We will “stay on target” (be devoted) with “the Word and Prayer.” The verb translated as "devoted" (proskartereo) is commonly used for a steadfast and single-minded faithfulness to a certain course of action. We understand the necessity of teaching the Word to a vast group of new believers, but why was prayer so important? Peterson comments,

Prayer was a necessary accompaniment because it expresses dependence on the Lord, to give boldness in speaking the word, to protect its agents, and to provide opportunities for the word to be heard and believed (cf. 4:24-31; 12:5-17; 13:1-3; 20:28-36; Col. 4:2-4; 2 Thess. 3:1-2). [Peterson, Acts of the Apostles, 234]

4) An Enthusiastic Response & Results (v.5)

    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. 

This was the “Roll call” or “casting list” of those selected to correct the problem of food distribution to the Hellenist widows. Stephen was given first place as being especially noted as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” and we will read more of Stephen’s ministry and early death in the rest of chapters 6-7. Philip was mentioned second as chapter 8 tells of his supernaturally evangelistic missions after persecution breaks out. The following is a full list of the magnificently “Spirit-Filled Seven” compiled from various sources based on early writings and traditions of the church. Some specifics are disputed, but overall we can discern a pattern.

• Stephen died in Ch. 7 as the first martyr of the faith.
• Philip tirelessly preached the Word of God in many of the lands of the Near East adjoining Palestine. At Jerusalem, the Apostles made him a bishop and sent him to Tralles in Asia Minor, where he also baptized many. St. Philip died in old age.
• Prochorus at first accompanied Peter who later appointed him as bishop in the city of Nicomedia…after the death of Mary, he was a companion and coworker of the Apostle John and was banished to the island of Patmos together with him. Upon returning to Nicomedia, Prochorus converted pagans to Christ in the city of Antioch and there he was martyred.
• Nicanor is believed to have been martyred in 76 ad, however, others believe that he died earlier when Stephen died, in the persecution of Saul.
• Timon was later appointed by the Apostles as bishop of the city of Bostra in Arabia and suffered at the hands of both Jews and pagans for preaching the Gospel. He reportedly was thrown into a furnace, but by the power of God, he came out of it unharmed. The tradition of the Roman Church says that St. Timon eventually died by crucifixion.
• Parmenas, After preaching for many years in Asia Minor, settled down in Macedonia. Hippolytus says that Parmenas was the Bishop of Soli. He is thought to have died a martyr in Philippi, Macedonia, in the year 98 ad, during the persecution of the Christians under Emperor Trajan. 
• Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Became the bishop of Samaria. he is the one who may not have finished well as several of the early church fathers, including Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Epiphanius, and Theodoret mentioned the “Nicolaitans” (condemned in the Book of Revelation) and stated that the deacon Nicolaus was the author of the heresy and the sect.

Hippolytus would include these seven men in his list of 70 apostles. Certainly, “Their experience doing humble service to the poor and helpless ‘prepared them for more prominent roles as ministers of the word.’” [Peterson, 235]

My former pastor was in the habit of allowing young pastors to be prepared for ministry (after finishing Bible training) by serving as custodians or doing other menial tasks. It is also reported that the founder of our denomination was known to strategically plant gum wrappers on the Bible College campus to see whether students would pick them up or just walk by. She said, “Someone who is above picking up litter is not fit for the ministry.” So on that note, if we see litter around here, let’s pick it up!

5) Commissioned in Prayer to the Task at Hand (v.6)

         These they set before the apostles,

             and they prayed and 

                                 laid their hands on them.

They not only chose the seven men but brought them before the apostles clearly communicating that we have done what you asked, now the ball is in your court. This commissioning is often seen as being done by the apostles, but it seems that the actual text suggests that the whole community of disciples prayed and laid hands on them in a show of community solidarity.

As I was preparing to speak on this I considered the two primary reasons for the laying on of hands in the Old Testament. The first reason was to confer a blessing for a purpose. The second thing I thought of was surprising. The congregation of Israel would lay hands on their sacrifice in a confession of their sins. It is likely that here at this community commissioning, they were not only blessing and empowering the "Spirit-filled Seven" but also confessing their collective failure in just distribution of food and their inability to correct it without the Spirit-filled help of these chosen men.

Lessons:

• Ministry (and leadership) should be Spirit-motivated, not man-manipulated.
• Leaders need to confess their inadequacy to meet every need and empower others for the good of the entire community.

6) The Results of a Problem Righteously Resolved (v.7)

   And the word of God continued to increase,

   and the number of the disciples

                   multiplied greatly in Jerusalem,

                          and a great many of the priests

                                        became obedient to the faith.

As a result of the people and their leaders working together in love, the problem was resolved. Animosity and bitterness were given no place in the church. The community lived out the counter-cultural values that they said they believed in.

“At three points in the narrative, he writes about the word of God growing and multiplying (6:7; 12:24; 19:20). Each reference climaxes with a section recording the resolution of some conflict or the cessation of opposition and persecution.” [Peterson, 229]

Don’t miss the part about “a great many of the priests” getting saved and becoming “obedient to the faith.” Weren’t the priests the main persecutors of the church at that time? Yes. Weren’t they Sadducees? Yes, they were the ones who didn’t believe in miracles, angels, the resurrection, etc. However, they were seeing the supernatural, and miraculous, in a growing community of the resurrection lived out before them in love and justice. How could they not be persuaded? Such a decision would have cost the priest their livelihood, so they would have needed a strong support system for their transition.  

Lessons:

• Their unity and power in the Spirit increased their witness.
• A just and loving witness can melt even the most "unsavable" hearts.

7) Back to an Amazing Witness (v.8)

                              And Stephen,

                                              full of grace and power,

                                          was doing great wonders and signs

                                                                         among the people.

Once this distribution problem was solved, the text makes it clear that it was back to business. Stephen distributed the food justly, but he was not just a food server. He was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (v.5), and “full of grace and power” (v.8) Those whom he debated, the Hellenist “Freedmen” turned out to be both sore losers and liars. They couldn’t withstand Stephen’s wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. However, that story is for another week. 

Let me conclude with another quote from Peterson,

“The gospel is shown to prosper in spite of, and even because of, struggle and suffering. Most importantly, however, the present context suggests that, if decisive action had not been taken to deal with the social issue disturbing the church, ‘growth’ of the word may not have continued.” (Peterson, 229)