- What qualifications do we look for in a serving one? A long list of qualifications could some time obscure the truly crucial, essential qualities we are looking for. In Acts 6, this list is very brief and to the point: good repute, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom.
- First, men of good repute: literally “well-spoken men”, from the same root word for witnesses or martyrs. The Message translation brings out its meaning: “So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense (Acts 6:3).” In other words, these two basic qualifications, that of full of Spirit and wisdom, have to be clearly manifested and attested by many.
- Then, men full of Spirit: “full of” meaning “controlled by”. Some people may think that we can separate what we do from who we are, but I do not think that it is possible. It is inevitable that we bring who we are to everything we do. Hence, when the apostles select men to serve, the emphasis is on their character: what is the controlling principle of their life? What is it that they are known to be controlled by? Is it the Holy Spirit or something else?
- Note that even though these men are appointed to take care of some secular tasks, the qualifications are that of their character; and their character has to be first and foremost spiritual. In fact, there is no such thing as secular service in the church. All the services are spiritual in nature, and only spiritual men can serve well.
- Finally, men full of wisdom: knowing how to apply spiritual principles to every aspect of life and decision-making. These are practical men, capable of putting their limited resources to the best use, best in term of both short-term need and long-term benefit.
- It seems that the book of Acts does not have a proper ending. The book concludes by stating that, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ — with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:30-31). The End!
- Like some open-ended movie, it stops right where it is most interesting. Paul was there in Rome about to stand trial before Caesar, and we are left to wonder what would happen to Paul next. Did he get to meet and witness to Caesar? Was he later released? What happened to those early churches around the Mediterranean Sea? We, the readers, are left to wonder.
- Some people have speculated that may be Luke did not get a chance to complete his writing due to some persecution that arose. Or may be he intentionally ended this book in this way so that he might follow up with a sequel. We do not know; but we can surely see God’s sovereignty here. No ending is the best possible ending for this book because this book is still being written today.
- Even though the book of Acts is the longest book in the New Testament: 28 chapters and close to 8000 verses. But the story that it tells does not end with 28 chapters or about 8000 verses. Luke started this blog, and since that time, many new posts are added each and every day — this witness for the resurrected Christ, this book of Acts is still being written today.
