MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 6:1, 2

SUBJECT :

CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS  :

JSS 3 / BASIC 9

TERM :

FIRST TERM

WEEK :

Week 5

REFERENCE MATERIALS :  .

• ONLINE MATERIALS
• SCHEME OF WORK
• TEXTBOOKS
• THE HOLY BIBLE

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE :

The pupils have previous knowledge of

 FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES :  At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to

• Explain  meaning and reason for fellowships
• say the reasons for the selection of the deacons
• list the qualities of men that are suitable for deacons in the house of the Lord
• Write out the number of

CONTENT :

WEEK 5 

DATE: …………………………….

TOPIC:

FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH

CONTENTS:

1. MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 6:1, 2
2. SELECTION OF DEACONS. ACTS 6:1-7 (EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION)

SUB-TOPIC 1: MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

To murmur is to grumble, to show discontent. It is also to whisper in low tones to express displeasure; especially when a group of people realize that things are not being done the right way or they are being discriminated against.

There was discrimination among members of the early church. This came about during the distribution of food and other things. The Jews who were from Jerusalem and Palestine (Hebrews) were given special treatment while the Jews born outside Jerusalem and Palestine ( Grecian Jews or Hellenites) especially the widows, were treated differently. They were discriminated against and were not given the food and other things they requested for. As a result, the Grecian Jews murmured and complained bitterly.

EVALUATION:

1. What is murmuring?
2. Distinguish between the Hebrews and Hellenites.
3. There was ——— among the members of the early church and this was glaring among the widows of the Grecians Jews.

SUB-TOPIC 2: 

SELECTION OF DEACONS

In order to solve the discrimination and partiality problem in the distribution of food and other items among the early Christians, the apostles discussed the matter. Peter made it known, that they (apostles) cannot leave the work of preaching and ministering the word of God to serve tables and supervise the distribution of food and other things. He suggested that they should choose seven men who will become deacons to supervise the distribution of food and other things, and ensure that nobody was discriminated against.

Peter stated the qualities expected of the seven deacons. These qualities are listed below:

1. They should be men of good repute, i.e. men of good character.
2. They should be men of wisdom and understanding.
3. They should be men filled with the Holy Spirit.

The following men that fit into the criteria were chosen by the early Church as deacons:

Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas. Due to the selection of the seven deacons, the discrimination and the grumbling in the church stopped as there was now equitable distribution of food and other things.

EVALUATION:

1. What step was taken to solve the problem of discrimination in the early church?
2. Mention the names of the seven deacons.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Read the next topic-

(1) explain the term “opposition”

(2) Mention two instances in which the gospel message recorded stiff oppositions in the Acts of the Apostles.

—————-

PRESENTATION 

The topic is presented step by step

Step 1:

The class teacher revises the previous topics

Step 2.

He introduces the new topic

Step 3:

The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise

CONCLUSION :

The class teacher wraps up or conclude the lesson by giving out short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.

The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written. He or she does the necessary corrections when the need arises.