November 8

Read: Acts 6:1-8

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:5).

They Chose A Man Full Of The Holy Ghost

What kind of service does a man render when he is filled with the Holy Spirit? Is Stephen a fair example?

It seems a clear inference from verse 3 that not all of members even of this Early Church were Spirit-filled Christmas. If they had been, why would the Apostles have said, “Look ye out among you seven men… full of the Holy Ghost” (6:3)? Although not all were sanctified — some of them were. And to these men the Apostles turned for effective service in the Church. Moreover, verse 5 makes it clear that their enthusiastic faith and deep spirituality were recognized by their fellow Christians: “The saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen…”

We cannot say that sanctified Christians will always accomplish more for God than will anybody else. God makes use of every personal talent in the measure that it is offered to Him, and some have greater talent than others. We cannot trustfully say that when God sanctifies us wholly our service will be as effective as that of every other Spirit-filled Christian. There were seven men chosen, but the work of only Stephen and Philip was outstanding enough to be especially noted in the Bible.

We do know, however, that every Christian who gives self wholly to God renders better service than otherwise. All of these Spirit-filled men made their contribution. Verse 8 tells us that after they were appointed, “the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly.” One of them was especially effective; full of faith and power, Stephen “did great wonders and miracles among the people” (6:8).

Would you in His service Labor always at your best? Let Him have His way with thee.

— Cyrus S. Nusbaum