Joseph Patty, Associate Director of Student Ministry, Scavenger Hunt Designer Extraordinaire

Acts 1:23-25
So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Acts 6:1-8
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained […] because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 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. 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 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, […] They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 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.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

Reflection:
I love the end of Acts Chapter 1. Peter is the oldest of the Apostles, but find the nearest college kid trying to grow a patchy beard and a weak mustache, and you’ll have a better picture for your imagination. Peter knows he is supposed to lead, and the first order of business is replacing Judas the betrayer. He comes up with some basic credentials and then has the spiritually profound idea to draw straws. I can picture Jesus hiding his face in his hands, trying not to let the angelic host see him laughing. This is classic Peter: a good heart but a little misguided. I can also picture all 120 people in the room, most of whom had been journeying with Jesus nearly as much as the disciples, wondering, “Will I be chosen?” What an honor to be one of the 12 chosen people sent to carry on the mission of Jesus! I was always pulling for Joseph, but no dice (literally). Matthias was to become the new apostle.

Notice two things here, though. First, this is the only action performed by the apostles without the power of the Spirit in the book of Acts. Second, Matthias never shows up again in Acts, even though he has the title of Apostle. Luke is making a point here – human effort apart from the Spirit doesn’t bear fruit. Peter is trying hard to lead, but his leadership, even as the chosen rock of the church (Matt 16) with all his best efforts, lacks the power to bring the life and culture transformation we will see later on in Acts.

Listen to the contrast between the choosing of Matthias and the calling of the food distribution team in Acts 6. The apostles have too much important work to do and can’t devote themselves to settling squabbles between widows, so they invite the people to nominate people who are “full of faith and the Spirit”. The apostles have learned their lesson and won’t rely on worldly credentials anymore but rather the Spirit. This would be a thankless job without a grand title, but nonetheless, a group is chosen. The apostles lay hands on them and pray over them. What happens next is fascinating. The Spirit starts to move through the food crew. He gives Stephen such wisdom in Scripture that experts in Scripture can’t refute him. Priests start being converted. He gives an incredible pronouncement of the gospel and becomes the first martyr, and Jesus can’t stay in his chair as he watches.  

Phillip, the second name listed, is just as incredible. He starts doing ministry in the midst of persecution and leads hundreds of people to Jesus. He follows the Spirit so closely that as the Spirit says turn here, he turns, and leads an Ethiopian eunuch to faith in Jesus. Then the Spirit sweeps him away to another town (beam me up scotty) and he starts sharing Jesus with people there. Later in the book, lest we forget about him, Paul shows up at Phillip’s house, and he’s now known as Phillip the evangelist with four prophetesses as daughters.

It’s possible that Stephen and Phillip were in the room when Matthias was chosen. I can imagine their disappointment of becoming the food line managers instead of Apostles. However, sent-ness and calling do not find its origins in titles but in the Spirit of God. They were faithful and obedient to the Spirit regardless of perceived importance, and because of that, God used them to forever shape the direction of his Church and mission. It’s more effective to take a small step of obedience in the Spirit than to make a grand gesture in our own strength. Be full of faith and have the courage to follow the Spirit in your own life, and then keep an open eye to see how God’s Spirit moves to transform the world around you.

Prayer:
Lord, I only want to walk with you in obedience. I am yours and no longer my own. Put me with whomever you choose to do whatever you choose. Use my all or lay me aside. Let me be full or empty. Let me have all things, or let me have nothing. I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to you. I am yours and you are mine. That is enough. Amen.