Ac 6:1-7 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Now we see the church begin to move into the daily functions of operation and a problem arises among them. Note how the Apostles handled it. They were already committed to prayer and administering the Word and were not willing to be distracted from their main assignment. They said look out among you and choose seven men that had the following qualifications: 1. Honest Report; 2. Full of the Holy Ghost; 3. Full of Wisdom; the we may appoint over this business; But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and ministry of the word. Now let's dissect this:
Seven is God's perfect number, so whenever you see the number seven, it represents perfection, maturity, and completion. Although there were over three thousand people in the church, these seven men, with honesty, the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, had the complete package to get the job done.
1. Honest Report: Honesty is the value of speaking truth and creating trust in minds of others. This includes all varieties of communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Some of the terms that describe honesty are integrity, trustworthy, righteous, and truthful. However, in my research I came across a Greek word that means gravity. This suggests that one must be well grounded in the truth.
Lk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
2 Cor 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
2 Cor 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest , though we be as reprobates.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
2. Full of the Holy Ghost: This is the Spirit of God which dwells inside of you. The Greek word Paraclete means your friend. Jesus said it would lead and guide you and bring back to your remembrance the things that he taught. He also said you shall receive power to be witnesses unto him. The word power comes from the Greek word dynamos, which is where we get our English word dynamite. So you will have explosive power when you are full of the Holy Ghost. The word witness comes from the Greek word martys, which is where we get our English word, martyr, which means one who is willing to die for what he believes in. So as you can see, being full of the Holy ghost is more than a dance and a shout.
3. Full of Wisdom: Ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. The apostle Paul declared that the message of the cross is foolishness to the Greeks and a stumbling block to the Jews. But to those who believe, said Paul, this "foolishness of God" is "the wisdom of God" (1 Co 1:18-25).
Against the wisdom of God Paul contrasted "the wisdom of this world" (1 Co 1:20; 3:19), "human wisdom" (1 Co 2:4), "the wisdom of men" (1 Co 2:5), "the wisdom of this age" (1 Co 2:6), and "man's wisdom" (1 Co 2:13).
The biblical concept of wisdom, therefore, is quite different from the classical view of wisdom, which sought through philosophy and man's rational thought to determine the mysteries of existence and the universe. The first principle of biblical wisdom is that man should humble himself before God in reverence and worship, obedient to His commands. This idea is found especially in the WISDOM LITERATURE: the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
In the Old Testament, the best example of a "wise man" is King Solomon (1 Ki 10:4,6-8; 2 Ch 1:7-12). And yet the same book that heaps such lavish, warm, and glowing praise upon Solomon for his reputed wisdom (1 Ki 4:29-34) also points out how Solomon's heart turned away from the Lord (1 Ki 11:1-13).
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
