ADULT STS LESSON 190 MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Memory Verse:

“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration” (Acts 6:1).

Text: Acts 6:1–15

The text opens with a record of murmuring in the early church. The root cause of this undesirable development was a felt neglect of the Grecian widows in the daily administration of relief materials. The feeling of commonness in the early church had prompted affluent believers to sell their valuables, bring the proceeds to the apostles’ feet and distribution was made to each person according to need (Acts 2:44–45; 4:35).

As the church grew, demand for relief materials increased. The simple administrative structure used for the young assembly was no longer adequate. One group soon began to feel neglected. Growing churches often require expanded administrative systems without changing Scripture or doctrine.

This study highlights the danger of offences arising from the multiplication of disciples. It shows how the apostles remained committed to their primary responsibility while solving an internal crisis. It outlines the requirements for selecting quality workers and leaders. Finally, it records the positive results that followed right decisions in ministry and the trial of Stephen.

REASONS FOR REACTIONS AND OFFENCES IN THE CHURCH

Acts 6:1–4; Philippians 2:14; Ephesians 4:26–27, 29–32; 1 Corinthians 6:1–8; 10:10

Growth brought together people from different backgrounds: the Grecians (Jews who had lived among Greeks) and the Hebrews (native Jews living in Palestine). The Grecians felt their widows had been neglected in the daily ministration, leading to murmuring and complaints.

Scripture teaches believers to handle misunderstandings through biblical methods rather than murmuring, which destroys unity and sows discord. Regardless of the legitimacy of grievances, the Bible instructs believers to do all things without murmurings and disputings (Philippians 2:14).

Believers should communicate, not complain. They should emphasise the many things that unite rather than the few that divide.

Although the Grecians and Hebrews differed culturally, they were all descendants of Jacob and were brethren by faith. They shared the same salvation, faced persecution from common enemies and looked forward to the same eternal hope. These shared spiritual realities should strengthen mutual forbearance and peace.

Murmuring always leaves bitter consequences and exposes the church to God’s displeasure (Numbers 14:1, 26–35; 16:41–49). New Testament believers are warned: “Neither murmur ye…” (1 Corinthians 10:10).

Seeing the danger, the apostles acted quickly. They neither ignored the matter nor despised the complaints. They gathered everyone and addressed the issue with sincerity. Yet they refused to be distracted from their primary calling. To abandon prayer and the Word for material distribution would reduce the church to a mere charitable organisation.

Their conclusion was clear: “We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). These two responsibilities define New Testament ministry.

RECRUITMENT OF SUPPORTIVE LEADERS IN THE CHURCH

Acts 6:5–7; Exodus 18:21–26; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9

Having reaffirmed their priorities, the apostles asked the brethren to select seven men to oversee the distribution. Recruitment came from within the church, not from unbelievers, regardless of qualifications (Acts 1:15–21).

Three qualifications were required:

1. Honesty: Transparency, sincerity, dependability and freedom from greed. Those handling resources must not be covetous and must have a good report even from unbelievers (1 Timothy 3:7).

2. Full of the Holy Ghost: A Spirit-filled believer demonstrates prayerfulness, spiritual depth, self-denying service and zeal for evangelism (John 16:7–11; Acts 1:8).

3. Wisdom: Not merely human wisdom based on education but divine wisdom from God (James 1:5). This wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful and fruitful (James 3:17).

Selection, not election, was the method used. There was no campaigning or lobbying. The focus was spiritual qualification, not representation or politics. These men were not seeking office, yet they had developed their spiritual lives through diligence and Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5–9).

After selection, the apostles prayed and laid hands on them, signifying ordination. The result was remarkable: “The word of God increased… and the number of the disciples multiplied…” (Acts 6:7). Properly handled challenges can lead to greater growth.

RESISTANCE AND THE TRIAL OF STEPHEN

Acts 6:8–15; 19:8–12; 1 Peter 4:12–14; 1 Kings 21:11–14; Matthew 26:57–66; Mark 14:53–65; John 19:1–16

Stephen’s powerful ministry provoked opposition from zealous Jewish religionists. Members of several synagogues disputed with him but could not resist his Spirit-given wisdom. They seized him and brought him before the council.

Stephen’s trial closely resembled that of Jesus:

1. Both were tried before the same Sanhedrin.

2. Both faced false witnesses.

3. Both were condemned under mob pressure.

Stephen was accused of blasphemy against God, Moses, the law and the temple. In Jewish society, these were serious charges:

• Blasphemy against Moses challenged the authority of the Pentateuch and national heritage.

• Blasphemy against God carried the death penalty (Leviticus 24:10–16).

• Blasphemy against the law questioned the authority of Scripture.

• Blasphemy against the temple attacked the centre of national worship.

Despite the charges, Stephen displayed Christlike courage. He prayed for his persecutors rather than retaliate. God honoured him, and his face shone like that of an angel, a sign of divine approval (Acts 6:15). Believers who suffer for righteousness’ sake have the Spirit of glory resting upon them (1 Peter 4:14).

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW

1. What can we learn from the growth needs in the early church?

2. How should believers express grievances in the church?

3. What dangers are inherent in murmuring?

4. What can we learn from the way the apostles reacted to this challenge?

5. Why did the early disciples resolve to stick to the ministry of the Word?

6. Explain why the church grew after the appointment of new leaders in the early church.

7. Mention the similarities between the trial of Jesus and that of Stephen.