005. Jerusalem’s Believers Name Deacons to Serve the Needy

James

I am the apostle James, leader of the church in Jerusalem.
It is a cluster of tiny congregations that meet in homes.
Oh, hello, Abby. Why is your friend weeping?

Abby

We’ve multiplied so fast that we are neglecting some people’s needs.
Eunice is a Greek widow. Explain your problem to James, Eunice.

Eunice

Brother James, forgive my boldness.
I and other Greek widows are left out of the daily food distribution.

Prompter & Echoes

Unfair bias!

James

Oh! I’ll tell the apostles at once.
We will correct this problem, my sister Eunice. Come, Abby.

Abby

The apostles talk it over, and James explains it to the assembly.

James

Brothers, we apostles must not neglect God’s word to serve tables.
Select seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to put in charge of this. We apostles will devote ourselves
to prayer and the ministry of the word.

Prompter & Echoes

Do what one is gifted to do.

Prompter & Echoes

Abby, will this solve the problem for Eunice and the other widows?

Abby

Yes, brother James. It will be a blessing for all of us.

James

All of the disciples talk it over, and consider it a good idea.

Prompter & Echoes

Amen!

James

We choose seven disciples full of faith and of the Holy Spirit
to be deacons. These include Stephen, Philip, and other godly men.

Abby

Seven new deacons come before the apostles, who pray
and lay hands on them to impart God’s blessing and anointing.

Eunice

Now we foreign widows are getting our portion of the provisions.

Prompter & Echoes

God is good!

Abby

Because of the believers’ obedience to the Lord,
and their fervent witnessing for Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit,
the Word of God spreads more than ever.

Prompter & Echoes

Thousands more come to Jesus!