Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 22

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

SAUL THE PERSECUTOR . 15 causeof complaintwas an allegedneglectof the Greek widows in the distributionof the fund set apartforthepoor. Such inequalitywould have been contraryto the spiritof the gospel, and prompt measureswere taken to remove alloccasion for dissatisfaction. Summoning a meetingof thebelievers,theapostlesstatedthatthe time had come when they shouldbe relievedfrom thetaskof apportioningto the poor,and from similarburdens,sothattheycouldbe leftfreeto preach Christ. " Wherefore, brethren," said they, "look ye out among you seven men of honest report,fullof theHoly Ghost and wisdom , whom we may appointover thisbusiness. But we willgiveourselvescontinuallytoprayer,and tothe ministryof the word." This advicewas followed,and thesevenchosenmen weresolemnly setapartfortheirdutiesby prayerand thelaying on of hands . The appointmentof the seven was greatly blessed of God . The church advanced in numbersand strength, " and a greatcompany ofthe priestswere obedienttothefaith." Thissuccess was due both to the greaterfreedom securedto the apostles, and to the zealand power manifestedby the seven deacons. The factthat these brethrenhad been ordainedfora specialwork, did not exclude them from teaching the faith. On thecontrary,theywerefullyqualifiedtoin-structinthetruth,and theyengagedinthework with great earnestnessand success. The foremostof the sevenwas Stephen,who , "fullof faithand power,didgreatwondersand miraclesamong thepeople." Though a Jew by birth, he spokethe Greek language, and wasfamiliar with the customs and manners of the