Sermons

It Takes Everyone

Series | Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 6:1–7
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’
And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

Explain the Text

“Now in these days” — What days? The beginning of the Church and its explosive growth in and around Jerusalem.
Religious leaders were ramping up pressure on the Twelve—Apostles fulfilling Jesus’ instructions by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hellenists = Greek-speaking Jews.

Main Idea: We all have a part to play in Kingdom work.

I. There is no replacement for bold and faithful preaching of the Word of God. Nor is there any stopping it.

Acts 6:1a
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number,”

A. “These days the disciples were increasing in number” is quite the statement when we remember they lived under threat of arrest and death.
B. Acts 5:38–42
“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
C. These verses were the result of Gamaliel’s reasoning with leaders ready to kill the Apostles.
D. The Apostles could have preached in a way that stayed under the radar—like many preachers today who cater to culture at the expense of truth. Where there is no truth, there is no power.
E. Instead, they faithfully preached the Word.
F. The Church must faithfully preach the Word of God regardless of fallout. Berean is committed to preaching God’s Word.
G. No one can stop the Word of God—governments, persecutors, extremists—no one.

Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

II. Rapid growth can create problems.

When everything comes together and growth occurs, new problems will always emerge.

Acts 6:1b
“A complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”

A. The Hellenistic widows were neglected—not due to lack of care, but due to rapid growth.
B. Parallel story in the Old Testament: Exodus 18:13–23

C. The Apostles, like Moses, needed to employ others for Kingdom purposes. No one is designed to do everything alone.
D. When we try to do everything on our own, we:
• Communicate we don’t need others
• Rob people of using their gifts
• Miss important details
• Slow or stop growth
• Depend on ourselves instead of God
E. Our callings are intentionally limited—we are not meant to do everything.

III. We need to recognize the limited scope of our calling.

Acts 6:2–4

A. The Apostles knew exactly what they were supposed to be doing.
B. They were obeying Jesus’ instruction:

Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

C. Because of their success, thousands were following Christ, creating new needs.
D. So they chose seven men to take on some of the care:

Acts 6:5–6

E. Of the seven, only two are ever mentioned again.
F. God often uses behind-the-scenes people in mighty ways. All is done for His glory.
G. God uses us where He has gifted us—our gifts differ, and that is good.

Ephesians 4:11–16

IV. When Christ followers join together and deploy their gifts for Kingdom purposes, great things happen.

Impossible things become possible when we all work together using our gifts.

A. Unity in Kingdom work often results in Kingdom growth.
B. Working together well means everyone does their part in support of one another. Christ is the only superstar.
C. Even priests were coming to faith—an inner circle of the religious establishment. A powerful testimony to the Resurrection’s reliability.
D. What could we see at Berean if everyone used their gifts? Deacon and elder boards are steps toward decentralizing ministry.
E. Be a practical part of the Body—join us tonight.

Main Idea: We all have a part to play in Kingdom work.

Conclusion

Lectio Divina – Ephesians 4:1–16
Quiet place… Read (4–5×), Reflect, Respond in prayer, Rest.

Speaker: Dan Krause

November 16, 2025

Acts 6:1-7

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