(a) What event led to the appointment of seven deacons in the early Church?[12 marks] (b) What three lessons can Christians learn from this episode? [3 mark...

(a) The event that led to the appointment of the seven deacons (Acts 6:1-7):

• As the number of disciples multiplied, a complaint (murmuring) arose from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the Hebrews (Aramaic-speaking Jews).
• The grievance was that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and welfare.
• The twelve apostles summoned the whole body of disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables."
• They directed the brethren to pick out seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, to be appointed to this duty of relief.
• The apostles would devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.
• This proposal pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch.
• They set these men before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
• As a result, the word of God increased, the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and many priests became obedient to the faith.

(b) Three lessons Christians can learn:

• Fair and equitable treatment of all members, regardless of language or background, must be maintained in the Church.
• Division of labour and delegation allow leaders to focus on their primary calling while others handle practical needs.
• Leaders must be people of good character, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, chosen for service.