7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:7 (NASB) 中文

Church challenge

The new church continues to grow and impact Jewish society. They encountered their first internal challenge that had the potential to split the group. But wisdom from above allowed them to come up with an amicable solution that all agreed to. The selection of the first “decons” is complete and the position in the church established. Now we see the fruit of discipleship and witnessing.

Growing pains

This was a wonderful thing. The new church continues to grow. Many Jews are coming to faith. The Gospel is starting to spread geographically also. All of Jesus’ investment in the disciples was now starting to pay off. Of course, the coming of the Spirit as He promised (John 14:26) was the driving force. We have seen how the Spirit changed fearful apostles who had denied the Lord into bold warriors proclaiming His Name.

Surprise disciples

What could be more wonderful than this!? Well, here we have it. Some of the Jewish priests, those that were the most outspoken in challenging and rejecting Jesus as Messiah, are now repenting and believing. The One they despised and rejected (Isiah 53:3) and sentenced to crucifixion they are now acknowledging as Israel’s Messiah and God!

Here we see why Jesus continued to engage these Jewish religious leaders – despite their opposition. He knew that some day, what He shared with them would sink in, take root and blossom.

Transition time

“The summary statement of 6:7, highlighting the continued growth of the disciples in Jerusalem, is placed at this transition point in the narrative, before the account of Stephen, and before the Word spreads outside of Jerusalem.” (TGC) As priests start to convert, the pressure is on to clamp down with serious persecution. That’s next.

RЯeflection

• For those of us involved in discipleship (and frankly, that should be all of us who have matured in the Lord) we can take encouragement from this. Jesus invested in His men for the long term – even in the priests.
• Who are you investing in? If you’re not, how will you respond to Jesus when He asks about what He commanded in Matthew 28:19-20? “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you”.
• As you witness to very difficult to reach people, be encouraged. With our natural eyes, we see and feel the rejection. But pray and trust the Spirit who alone can do the heart work!