(a) What event led to the appointment of seven deacons in the early Church?[12 marks]
(b) What three lessons can Christians learn from this episode? [3 marks].
(a) Acts 6:1-6:
(i) With the missionary activities of the apostles, believers increased in large numbers.
(ii) The believers consisted of Hebrews and Hellenists.
(iii) The early church lived a communal life involving distribution of items among the believers.
(iv) The Hellenists complained that their widows were not attended to in the daily distribution of items
(v) In consequence of this report, the twelve (the apostles) decided to separate the issue of food distribution from the issue of preaching the gospel.
(vi) The twelve then called on the entire body of the believers/disciples to choose from among them seven men of repute to serve tables.
(vii) These men should be full of the spirit and wisdom.
(viii) Following the instruction of the apostles, seven men were chosen including Stephen and others.
(ix) Their appointment was confirmed by the apostles through the laying of hands.
(b) Lessons Christians can learn from the episode:
(i) Need for communal life among Christians in the interest of love and unity.
(ii) Christian should learn to take their complaints to the people of God rather than resorting to blackmailing.
(iii) Christian should have standard in making appointment either in the church or in the society.
(iv) Christians should be ready to serve in any capacity where they are called upon to do so.
(v) Christians should avoid being covetous with regard to positions of responsibility.
(vi) Christians should imbibe the culture of 'division of labour
(vii) Christian should avoid court settlements.
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