The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 207

natural outcome of increase in number of disciples, illustrating the great principle that the life of Christianity develops the organization and not depends upon it. 2. 'l'hc spirit of charity was the underworking cause of the need of more rule. Had there been little to distribute, there would have been no ground of complaint. 3. The Jewish element was still uppermost in the Church. It was as yet an unordered community; but the two principles of care for the weak and equality among brethren were there to be appealed to. 4,, The apostles, while guiding the Church with inspired wisdom. usurped no authority a.s rulers, claimed distinction only as servants of the Lord, called the whole body of believers together, and committed this first distinct act of constitu- tione.l appointment to the free vote of the Church as a whole. 6. The men elected were the best men spiritually as well ss in adaptation to the specie.I office. 6. The whole transaction was an appeal to Divine direction, being carried through in the spirit of prayer and in dependence on the apostolic superintendence of the Church whlch was instituted by Christ himself. 7. The deacons' office was instituted for the relief of the spiritual officers of the Church. The ministry of the Word is chief in importance. The "serving tables" requires character, wisdom, spiritual gifts, but is separated from the higher offices of prayer and preaching. The deacons are " business " officers. 8. Nothing should be done in the Church except by spiritual men, in dependence on Divine direction sought by prayer, and in harmony with that form of Christian life already appointed.-R. Ver. 1.-The.first note of strife. "There arose a murmuring," etc. Good and evil mingled everywhere. Multiplication of disciples means multiplication of interests and dangers. Prosperity in Churches has its attendant difficulties. Learn a lesson of wisdom and safety from the narrative. Money matters cannot be too carefully and spiritually controlled in all Churches. ' L THE 1''ECESSARY Th"'FllWITIES OF CHURCH LIFE can be made opportunities of great blessing. 1. Let nothing be neglected, either wants or murmurs, but all promptly and wisely considered and prayed over. 2. Call out the gifts of the people. No one knows what he cannot do. A Church's extremity is often God's opportunity. 3. Keep the spiritual and the secular as far as possible in their right places. Let not the business claims oppress the minds which should be free to study the Word of God. Aim at the development of the Church's knowledge and devotion as supreme. IL Go»'s W01''DERFUL CABE OF BIS PEOPLE ; ove1Tuling ; inspiring ; by means of individual instances and comparatively trivial occasions, providing great precedents and rules and guiding facts, whlch extend their influence over the whole world. So in the order of his providence throughout. AJJ humanity develops new capacity and function ma.nifested.-R. Ver. 4.-..dn earnest ministry the greatest need and blessing of the <Jhurch. "But we will give ourselves," etc. I. FUNCTIONAL F.A.ITBFULNEBS. "Each in his office we.it." 1. Apostles held an exceptional position, but in all main respects examples of singleness of mind and wisdom. 2. Distinguish between faithfulness in office and ofirialism. Special gifts adapted to special work; should be stirred up. 3. The hope of the Church is in the spirituality of its ministers. If they lower the concepth.m of their office and regard themselves as mere popular leaders, they let in a flood of evils both into the pulpit and into the Church. IL The WORLD'S CONVERSION IN THE HANDS OF Go»'s PEOPLE. The chief agency- prayer and the ministry of the Word. Charity secondary, not primary. Philanthropy is not a substitute for Christianity. The apostles put their own office as preachers before that of the deacons. In these times a temptation to put the" tables," the bodily necessities, before the spiritual wants. We must wait for results, but Christ understood the work of his Church. Stand by the apostolic method, and the e~d will vindicate it. The world must be changed by spiritual forces. The Church must use all the material and social advantages supplied, but not as though they were sufficient by themselves; "By my Spirit, saith the Lord."-R. Ver. 7.-The/ruite of faith. "And the Word of God increased," etc. Connect with OIi, VJ, 1-15.] THE AOTB OF THE APOSTLES. 208