Acts 6:3

Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

'LOOK YE OUT THEREFORE'-'Select from among you' (NASV). 'The term "look ye out" means to "look at" in order to select, to "seek out" as persons for office.' (Boles p. 96)

'BRETHREN'-Notice how the apostles didn't make all the decisions for the congregation (1 Corinthians 16:3). By inspiration they laid down the number of men needed and their qualifications. But they left it up to the congregation to find and select such men.

Points to Note:

A great lesson is found in the above passage. That is, God feels that uninspired people, can take inspired qualifications and find people that fit them. Notice the confidence that God has in our ability to apply His truth to real life. From this example we must reject any theory which assumes that we cannot appoint deacons or elders today, because uninspired men cannot properly interpret or agree on the qualifications provided.

Unfortunately, some have read this event and concluded that decision-making in matters of congregational judgement must always include the whole church, i.e. when any decision in the congregation is made, the whole church must gather together. While it is always wise to gain input from the members, we can't bind such upon any congregation with or without elders. For the apostles had made. decision (i.e.. men), before they brought the congregation together.

Others have argued that since this gathering included the whole congregation, including women, that this passage either gives the right or demands that women be present in the business meetings. This argument is inherently linked with the above view, i.e. the whole congregation must always be present when any congregational decision is made. But this text reveals that the apostles (12 men) had already decided. number of things beforehand, i.e. they would not serve tables, the congregation would select them, but they would appoint them, the specific number needed. Thus, the basic assumption needed to even get the above position off the ground, fails to agree with the text.

'SEVEN MEN'-Some say because seven is the number of completeness. But, it rather seems that seven is the number given, because seven men were needed to handle this task.

Point to Note:

Some say that here we find the first "deacons". One writer notes, 'The English reader should remember that the "ministration" of verse 1, the "serve" of this verse, and the "deacon"......, are all forms of the same Greek word.' (P.P. Comm. p. 192)

But we should also note for fairness, that the Greek word rendered "deacon" is often applied to various Christians without any "official" sense attached to it. The word can also simply mean to "minister", i.e to serve (Romans 15:25).

In addition, one problem with making these men deacons, is that all the qualifications given for deacons were not presented before this congregation. Compare Acts 6:3 with 1 Timothy 3:8.

'OF GOOD REPORT'-'with. good reputation' (Robertson p. 73). 'good standing' (Gspd). 3140. martureo mar-too-reh'-o; from 3144; to be witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively): -charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.