“…whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”
Acts 6:6
Our text today comes from the portion of scripture that explains the appointment of the first deacons of the New Testament church. Though these men weren’t specifically given the title “deacons” in this passage, the Greek word in its verb form is used in v. 2 (translated “serve”), making it clear that they were to function in that role. An issue had arisen within the church where certain widows in the assembly were being overlooked in the church’s ministry. Stephen and six other men were appointed to lead the effort to correct this deficiency and lead in this daily service. So, even though the term “deacon” was not yet clearly understood as a church office, these men are our first examples in the early church of what deacons should be.
After these men were chosen by the church, we read that the apostles prayed and laid hands on them. Some people mistakenly view this laying on of hands as a special granting of the Holy Ghost. They do so by misunderstanding texts such as Act 8:17 and 19:6. In these two texts, apostles laid their hands on individuals who received the Spirit of God for the first time. These miraculous accounts were unique to this period of church history to show that the promise of the Father, namely the gift of the Holy Spirit, had become a reality. But in Act 6:3, we find that one of the qualifications of the seven men chosen was to be that they were full of the Spirit! “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…”
So, why did the apostles lay hands on these seven men? Such an act was not to endue them with some special power to sufficiently serve in this office. Rather, this action publicly recognized them as being worthy of their office and able to meet the responsibility set before them. By laying hands on them, the apostles showed their approval of Stephen and his companions. They backed the church’s witness of these men, namely that they were indeed “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.
In 1Ti 5:22, Paul admonishes Timothy, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.” We would be wise today to heed this same instruction. Often assemblies are far too ready to give individuals responsibility in the church. The great danger is the damage that someone can do who is NOT full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom! Earlier in the same letter when he lists the qualifications for a deacon, he says “let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” (1Ti 3:10) Similarly, when he lists the characteristics of a bishop/elder, he states the man should not be a “novice”. (v. 6) Paul tells Timothy to take some time to observe individuals. Make sure they do indeed have a good reputation and possess the qualities expected in Christian leaders. Make sure they are what they seem to be!
The Lord Jesus warned in Mat 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Some people look great out of the starting gate, but we need to wait and see how well they’re doing after running the race for a while. We’re dealing with the Lord’s children! Anything regarding the church must be handled properly because what the church does sends a message to this fallen world concerning God. How many public failures within the church might have been avoided if we had not laid hands on men suddenly? The bride of Christ is the apple of His eye. May we be careful to not put our hand to anything that would cause division within His precious body. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:10)
Jamie