The Mission

The Results of This New Plan

The appointment of the seven was a great blessing to the church. These officers gave careful consideration to individual needs as well as to the general financial interests of the church, and they were an important help in binding together the various interests of the church. 4TC 46.5

“Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” This was due both to the greater freedom the apostles now had and the zeal that the seven deacons showed. These men, ordained to look after the needs of the poor, were also fully qualified to instruct others in the truth, and they earnestly engaged in the work. 4TC 47.1

The proclamation of the gospel was to be worldwide, and the messengers of the cross should remain united, in this way revealing to the world that they were one with Christ in God (John 17:11, 14, 21, 23). Their power was dependent on their keeping a close connection with the One who had commissioned them to preach the gospel. 4TC 47.2

If they would continue to work in unity, heavenly messengers would open the way for them, hearts would be prepared for the truth, and many would be won to Christ. The church would go forward 4TC 47.3

“fair as the moon,
Clear as the sun,
And terrible as an army with banners” (Song of Solomon 6:10), gloriously fulfilling her divine mission. 4TC 47.4

The church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches everywhere. Those carrying the responsibility of overseeing the church were, as wise shepherds, to “tend the flock of God” and “be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2, 3, NRSV), and the deacons were to be “men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” 4TC 47.5

When many believers had been formed into churches in various parts of the world, the organization was further perfected. All the members were to make a wise use of the talents entrusted to them. Some were given special gifts—“first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28). But all were to work in harmony. 4TC 47.6