8
Acts
3. What lesson can we learn from this solution? It was the opinion of the apostles that it would take men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to take on the problem of waiting tables. The function of waiting tables is not our usual impression of this task; it is about ensuring the needs of the brethren are addressed as individuals and as a group. There is an important lesson to be gained here. It takes a kind of person the apostles describe, being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to properly deal with a diverse group of people with varying needs and predisposed ideas of right and wrong. Some individuals need more attention than others. Dealing with a diverse group of people can be complicated, especially if they are new converts who may have any number of challenges imposed on them by accepting this new and radical faith. It takes, therefore, the special gifts of the Spirit and wisdom to deal with diverse situations so as to limit offenses and demonstrate a right example for others at the same time. The Church of God today must have such people. Although we may not be organized as the first century Church, situations arise continually during times of assembly, festivals and at other times when members need assistance or guidance. People do not change overnight and prior biases as to what is equitable and fair need to be dealt with effectively and appropriately so that needs are met in ways that are not offensive. In the Church today some take a certain level of pride in scriptural knowledge, and feel that the kind of ministry described above does not match their talents. In light of the above, such thinking is erroneous considering what talents and gifts it took to fill the roles of those called upon to wait on tables. 4. Who could those of the synagogue resist and who could they not? They were able to resist Stephen, but they could not resist God, as we see in verse 10. It was the wisdom and Cpirit with which he spoke that could not be resisted. 5. What does somebody do with a `problem' like Stephen? Set up false witnesses. Stephen was credible person, and they could not resist the words he spoke, so the immediate answer comes in verse 11, where the false witnesses were engaged. 6. Did Stephen go willingly with those who apprehended him? This is a debatable subject. It is likely he did resist, as he was already on trial for his life with the charge of blasphemy. Some say he went willingly having inner confidence that God would ultimately decide the outcome.