(a) What event led to the appointment of seven... | WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2010

Question 1 Report

(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 marks].

Answer

(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.

Answer Details

(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.

(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...