Acts 6:7 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.
People in positions of power have a great responsibility to those over whom and with whom they share leadership. When they are moving in a righteous direction with righteous motives, then very good things can happen. But when they are driven by selfish or ungodly motives to move in an unrighteous direction, things can be disastrous.
And it can be easy to see leadership and the direction they are moving as being unrighteous when they move in a direction different from our expectations, but we must resist framing every decision, every shift as being righteous or unrighteous. Often decisions are a mix of righteousness. That is because leadership is a complicated business!
In the very early Church people were starting to follow Jesus as taught by the apostles and other early disciples. They had witness Jesus alive after being killed. And the the Holy Spirit arrived on Pentecost. The infusing of power into these leaders changed the dynamic considerably. They had been cowering away in hiding. Now they were bold beyond explanation.
Thousands had turned to the LORD and begun to live what was a very different way of living. They served others and the community with abandon. And this change, and the teaching of the Scripture captured hearts, minds and feet. They didn’t just talk the Truth, they lived it.
Some of those who made this switch were Jewish priests. They had been among the ruling class in Jerusalem. The had the ability to wield great power and influence. This group was part of the larger group that had sought Jesus’ execution.
And now they were being persuaded by the words and actions of the followers of Jesus. They heard them expound the Scriptures and they became convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Their lives were flipped upside down.
Notice that out text says that a large number of them became obedient. Maybe it was large enough to tip the balance of power and change the direction of the Jewish leadership. Think Supreme Court balance of power. One more on either side makes a difference.
Notice that it wasn’t simply a change in their thinking. They became obedient to the faith. Obedient! They would have changed the way they lived, and that change probably brought friction with those who hadn’t yet become convinced. Think family feud!
We know from history that only a few years later there seemed to be a peace in Jerusalem in connection to the Gospel. Paul could return. Peter could carry out his ministry without too much turmoil. Perhaps that is due to this shift among the priests.
Our decisions and subsequent obedience make a huge difference in our communities. Just like these priests who stuck their necks out and put their reputation and careers on the line for the sake of the Gospel, we too may be forced to make these kinds of decisions in the days to come. Are you ready?
The Arnold Journey 