[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during May 2023]
The 1960 film “The Magnificent Seven” was one of several films building on a common theme, initially established in the 1954 Japanese film “Seven Samurai”. The underlying theme is that of the triumph of good over evil, albeit at a cost to both the victims and their benefactors. In both films, only two of the original seven come back from their mission.
The historian Luke wrote an account recording the growth of the early church. Commonly called ‘The Acts of the Apostles’, it is probably better described as ‘Some of the Acts of Some of the Apostles and Other Members of the Early Church’. In chapter 6 of this volume we read of the appointment of what some have called the ‘Magnificent Seven’ of the early church. These were men of good report and integrity whose role was to oversee the more practical aspects of the church and, in particular, the care of those who had fallen upon hard times. The title of ‘deacon’ came to be associated with this role although some denominations have adopted the same name for a rank within the ecclesiastical hierarchy.
The names of this magnificent seven have been recorded but for five of them we have no further details. We can assume that they carried out their obligations with integrity, serving the early church to the best of their abilities. The achievements of the other two must stand as examples of the calibre of the rest.
The first-named in the list of the seven is Stephen. He is described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” who “performed great wonders and signs among the people”.[1] His actions led him to fall foul of the religious authorities of his day. The good news that he brought to those around him came at the ultimate cost to himself but his self-sacrifice made a lasting impression on the future apostle Paul.
Philip (not to be confused with Philip the apostle) later went on to become an evangelist in his own right. We read of the outcome of his preaching in Acts chapter 8, with a great number of conversions; then we read of his encounter with the Ethiopian traveller on the road to Gaza. The Coptic church in Ethiopia traces its origins to that encounter. Philip subsequently settled in Caesarea where he was host to the apostle Paul on his final journey to Rome.
Neither Stephen nor Philip could have foreseen the outcomes of their obedience. To what extend are we willing to serve in a junior capacity, with no earthly fame, simply with the knowledge that the Lord knows what we have done on his behalf? Are we willing to follow God’s instructions, even if that means leaving a healthy ministry in order to go into the desert?
In John’s vision as recorded in the book of Revelation we see seven churches. Their characteristics demonstrate that they were far from magnificent but the messages sent to them contain one phrase in common: “I know your deeds”. Are we happy that the Lord knows our deeds?
Resources:
[1] Acts 6 v 5, 8
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Last week’s reflection: What Have You Forgotten?
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys