As apostles these men have been appointed by God to minister his Word and pray—that is the their primary task (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; Acts 6:4). Though they initially organized the works of service needed to care for the poor and facilitate fellowship (Acts 4:34–35), they are unable to continue doing so without neglecting their calling. The amount of practical service work to be done is just too much and it is not right for them to be spending so much time on admin and logistics.
In this the apostles are not saying that this work is unimportant. If God’s church is going to be catholic, if it is going to be a loving family where we look out for each other, then someone must take responsibility for organizing practical works of service. It is an essential and worthy job, but it is not the work to which the apostles have been called. They must minister God’s Word and pray—they must not be distracted from this central responsibility.
The principle which we see here is one that is applicable for the church at all times, not only for these early stages in Jerusalem. The ministry of the Word must be maintained. The proclamation of the gospel must remain the church’s focus. We cannot and must not burden our pastors with lots of admin that prevents them from studying, praying, and doing the work which God has given to them. Pastors receive their calling from God and we must hold them to it. Good things must not come in the way of what is primary.
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.