CHILDREN STS LESSON 34 VOL 4 MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Text: Acts 6:1-15

After the ascension of Jesus to heaven, the disciples waited patiently in the upper room for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the one hundred and twenty followers of Christ. This baptism with Holy Ghost power gave the believers boldness to preach the gospel. The first preaching of Apostle Peter resulted in the conversion of three thousand people. At another time, five thousand people surrendered their lives to Christ. Daily, believers were added to the new church as the good news spread from place to place.

As the church grew, it included people from different backgrounds: the poor, rich, widows, children, and many others. The apostles, who were the leaders, continued preaching without paying attention to proper administration. Because of this, some people began murmuring and complaining that they were neglected in the daily distribution of food.

This teaches that the church has a duty to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of the people. Although they shared all things in common and the rich sold their properties for the benefit of everyone, the distribution did not reach all as it should. Important lessons for children include:
(i) Be a blessing to others in fellowship by sharing what you have.
(ii) Always be concerned about the needs of others.
(iii) When chosen to share things, do it faithfully without partiality.
(iv) Do not murmur against parents, church leaders, or those in authority. If you need anything, ask questions and pray for your leaders. Eventually, a solution was found and certain people were chosen to distribute the food. The apostles were then able to focus on their primary assignment of preaching the gospel.

Do not allow anything to distract you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

1. REASONS FOR THE MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Texts: Acts 6:1; 4:32-37; Numbers 14:1-2, 26-27; 1 Corinthians 10:10-11

Acts 6:1 gives the exact reason for the murmuring: “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.” God hates murmuring among His people. This was the reason many Israelites who left Egypt never entered the Promised Land. They murmured about food, water, and other things and forgot the miracles God performed for them. Murmuring is a dangerous habit a child of God must avoid.

In the early church, the Grecians murmured because their widows and the poor were not well cared for. Even though they did not gossip behind the leaders, they still should not have murmured. God dislikes such attitudes. Murmuring never solves any problem in the church, the family, or the society. Children must avoid murmuring against parents when hungry or against teachers or pastors. Instead, friends of Jesus should:
(i) Ask questions when confused.
(ii) Pray to God for help.
(iii) Pray for parents, teachers, ministers, church leaders, and political leaders.

Whenever tempted to murmur, remember: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Philippians 2:14).

2. RESPONSE OF THE APOSTLES TO THE MURMURING GROUP

Text: Acts 6:2-7

Seeing the potential damage that murmuring could cause, the apostles acted quickly. They called the entire group together and addressed the issue. They acknowledged it as an important matter that required immediate resolution. They instructed the people to select seven men who were filled with the Holy Ghost, of honest report, and full of wisdom. These men would handle the food distribution so the apostles could focus on prayer and preaching.

Everyone agreed with this decision. The seven chosen were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.

The apostles prayed and laid hands on them. This peaceful resolution led to the spread of the gospel, and many more people, including priests, believed. God manifests His presence and power where there is peace.

Children of God should maintain peace, show love, and obey godly leaders. Great rewards follow those who seek the growth of God’s work.

3. REQUIREMENTS FOR FAITHFUL LEADERS IN THE CHURCH

Texts: Acts 6:3, 8-15; 8:4-7

To solve the murmuring issue, the apostles needed to appoint leaders. They listed the qualities required. These leaders were not to be careless or uninterested in God’s service. They needed to be:
(i) People of honest report – dependable, truthful, and free from deceit.
(ii) Filled with the Holy Ghost – they needed the Holy Ghost even to distribute food. If they needed the Holy Ghost for small tasks, we need Him even more for preaching and serving Christ.
(iii) Filled with wisdom – not worldly wisdom, but godly wisdom necessary for success. If anyone lacks wisdom, God freely gives (James 1:5).

God wants children who serve Him wholeheartedly. They must be born again, sanctified, Holy Ghost baptised, prayerful, wise, and good role models.

Among the seven, two men stood out. Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and miracles. This angered the enemies of the gospel. They arrested him, tried him, and eventually killed him, but he went to heaven.

You should not fear persecution or mockery. Jesus stands with His children in trouble. Use your youthful strength to serve the Lord. He will bless and honour you. At last, you will reach heaven and receive a crown with stars.

QUESTIONS

What caused the murmuring in the early church?
Who were those that murmured?
How did the apostles settle the matter?
What are the requirements for selecting leaders in the church?
Who were the men selected to serve food?
What must a sinful child do before serving God?

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).

LESSON

Murmuring is dangerous and destructive.

THOUGHT

I will not murmur against anyone.

ACTIVITY

Prayer of repentance and consecration.

HOMEWORK

Children should make restitution to anyone they have murmured against.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG

75 – The Church’s One Foundation

CHORUSES

Oh wait meekly and murmur not.
Give me grace to follow.
I want to be a good child.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words using your dictionary:

Pentecost
Ascension
Administration
Murmur
Partiality

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