"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. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."
Today's lesson relates the creation of the office of deacon within the Church. The duties of the men who occupied that office were to make sure the physical and spiritual needs of the families and communities of the early Church were met while the others continued their work as traveling evangelists. That action was taken after there were complaints that the men of the Church were abandoning their duty to their families, and community while traveling abroad to spread the gospel of Christ.
The duties of a deacon will be further discussed in the book of Timothy, as these lessons progress.~
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