Manifestations of the Word of Wisdom in the New Testament
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. (Acts 6:1)
Here we see a dispute that threatened to divide the early church. The dispute arose between two parties - the Hebrews (the Jewish Christians who spoke Aramaic or Hebrew) and the Hellenists (The Jewish Christians who spoke Greek)
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit 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 the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. (Acts 6:2-6)
- Stephen
- Philip
- Prochorus
- Nicanor
- Timon
- Parmenas
- Nicolas
Seven men were chosen for this task. Once again, a practical problem was solved through the Gift of the Word of Wisdom operating through the apostles. Also, worth noticing is the impact of this particular Word of Wisdom on the early church.
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7)
This certainly would not have happened if they had not solved the practical problem. There would have been continual division, frustration and jealousy – and the moving of God's Spirit would have been hindered.
Tongues in the early Church
Acts 6:4 is rendered as follows; " We shall be persevering to THE prayer and the service of THE saying(Logos)." New Testament Greek Interlinear
The early Christians understood that they could not afford to neglect prayer. They were a praying church and how great and mighty things they had achieved through prayer. Even when they became very busy in ministry, they did not allow ‘business as usual’ to get in the way of prayer.
I want you to carefully notice in the literal text it says, "We will persevere and give ourselves to the prayer..." Pay attention to the words 'the prayer' not just a prayer. The early church comprehended that 'praying in Tongues' was the prayer. Praying in Tongues was known as the prayer.
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