Many Faces of Wisdom
Wisdom in Proverbs
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
The Call to Wisdom
Acts 6:1-7 New International Version
The Choosing of the Seven
6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[ a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
For Reflection
The native Near East civilizations were declining, and there was a hunger for new ways to understand themselves. Indigenous Hellenistic Jews were a result of the synthesis of Greek influence and the near east cultures. Consequently, this brand of Judaism incorporated the openness of Greek culture. Not surprisingly, the traditional Jew was reluctant to accept the Hellenistic Jew.
The discrimination against the Hellenistic Jew is revealed in the inequitable distribution of food and help to the widowed Hellenistic Jew. The wisdom of the division of labor not only helped the Jewish community, but the just distribution signaled the acceptance of non-conformist Jews. As an unintended outcome, the number of followers increased. Even priests became active believers because of the prudent change in the practice of this new faith system.
Pray
Pray and accept the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as God counsels you. Pray often and practice the grace of loving all people.
| 
