Acts 6:3 -Does A Person Full Of "the Spirit" Still Need Wisdom?

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Acts 6:3 - Does a Person Full of "the Spirit" Still Need Wisdom?

Understanding the Concept of Being "Full of the Spirit"

In the biblical context, being "full of the Spirit" refers to a state of being completely controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. This phrase is often used to describe individuals who have been empowered by the Spirit to perform extraordinary tasks or to live a life that is pleasing to God. However, the question remains: does a person who is full of the Spirit still need wisdom?

The Men "Full of the Spirit" in Acts 6:3

In Acts 6:3, the apostles are faced with a dilemma. The Greek-speaking Jews are complaining that their widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, realizing that they cannot attend to this matter themselves, decide to appoint seven men to serve as deacons. In verse 3, it is written: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom" (NIV).

What Does "Full of the Spirit" Mean?

The phrase "full of the Spirit" is a translation of the Greek phrase "πλήρης πνεύματος" (plērēs pneumatos). This phrase is often used in the New Testament to describe individuals who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform extraordinary tasks or to live a life that is pleasing to God. In the context of Acts 6:3, being "full of the Spirit" means that the men chosen as deacons have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve the needs of the community.

Can the Men Full of "the Spirit" Lack Anything?

The question remains: can the men full of "the Spirit" lack anything? The answer is yes. While being "full of the Spirit" is a necessary qualification for the task of serving as a deacon, it is not a guarantee that the individual will have all the necessary skills or wisdom to perform the task effectively. In fact, the apostles specifically mention that the men chosen as deacons should also be "known to be full of wisdom" (Acts 6:3).

The Importance of Wisdom

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and experience to make informed decisions. In the context of serving as a deacon, wisdom is essential for making decisions that are in the best interest of the community. While being "full of the Spirit" provides the necessary empowerment to serve, wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make informed decisions.

The Relationship Between the Spirit and Wisdom

The relationship between the Spirit and wisdom is complex. On the one hand, the Spirit provides the necessary empowerment to serve. On the other hand, wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make informed decisions. In the context of Acts 6:3, the apostles are looking for men who are both "full of the Spirit" and "full of wisdom." This suggests that the two are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary.

Theological Implications

The theological implications of Acts 6:3 are significant. If a person who is full of the Spirit still needs wisdom, it suggests that the Spirit and wisdom are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the Spirit and wisdom are complementary, and both are necessary for effective service. This has significant implications our understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

Practical Implications

The practical implications of Acts 6:3 are also significant. If a person who is full of the Spirit still needs wisdom, it suggests that we should not rely solely on the Spirit to guide us in our decision-making. Rather, we should seek wisdom through prayer, study, and experience. This has significant implications for our approach to decision-making in our personal and professional lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether a person full of "the Spirit" still needs wisdom is a complex one. While being "full of the Spirit" provides the necessary empowerment to serve, wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make informed decisions. The relationship between the Spirit and wisdom is complex, but complementary. The theological and practical implications of Acts 6:3 are significant, and suggest that we should not rely solely on the Spirit to guide us in our decision-making. Rather, we should seek wisdom through prayer, study, and experience.

References

  • Acts 6:3 (NIV)
  • Acts 6:3 (KJV)
  • The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (ESV)
  • The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV)
  • The Holy Bible: King James Version (KJV)

Further Reading

  • The Holy Spirit and Wisdom in the New Testament
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit in Decision-Making
  • The Importance of Wisdom in Leadership
  • The Relationship Between the Spirit and Wisdom in the Life of the Believer
    Q&A: Acts 6:3 - Does a Person Full of "the Spirit" Still Need Wisdom?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be "full of the Spirit"?

A: Being "full of the Spirit" refers to a state of being completely controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. This phrase is often used to describe individuals who have been empowered by the Spirit to perform extraordinary tasks or to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Q: Can a person who is full of the Spirit still lack wisdom?

A: Yes, a person who is full of the Spirit can still lack wisdom. While being "full of the Spirit" provides the necessary empowerment to serve, wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make informed decisions.

Q: Why did the apostles ask for men who were "full of wisdom" in addition to being "full of the Spirit"?

A: The apostles asked for men who were "full of wisdom" in addition to being "full of the Spirit" because wisdom is essential for making informed decisions. While being "full of the Spirit" provides the necessary empowerment to serve, wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community.

Q: What is the relationship between the Spirit and wisdom?

A: The relationship between the Spirit and wisdom is complex, but complementary. The Spirit provides the necessary empowerment to serve, while wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make informed decisions.

Q: Can a person who is full of the Spirit still make mistakes?

A: Yes, a person who is full of the Spirit can still make mistakes. While being "full of the Spirit" provides the necessary empowerment to serve, it does not guarantee that the individual will make perfect decisions.

Q: How can a person who is full of the Spirit still need wisdom?

A: A person who is full of the Spirit can still need wisdom because wisdom is a skill that can be developed through experience, study, and prayer. While being "full of the Spirit" provides the necessary empowerment to serve, wisdom provides the necessary guidance to make informed decisions.

Q: What are the implications of Acts 6:3 for our understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer?

A: The implications of Acts 6:3 for our understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer are significant. It suggests that the Spirit and wisdom are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. This has significant implications for our approach to decision-making in our personal and professional lives.

Q: How can we apply the principles of Acts 6:3 to our own lives?

A: We can apply the principles of Acts 6:3 to our own lives by seeking wisdom through prayer, study, and experience. We should not rely solely on the Spirit to guide us in our decision-making, but rather seek wisdom through a combination of spiritual guidance and human wisdom.

Q: What are some practical ways to develop wisdom in our lives?

A: Some practical ways to develop wisdom in our lives include:

  • Seeking wisdom through prayer and study of the Bible
  • Seeking guidance from experienced mentors and leaders
  • Developing a growth mindset and being open to learning and growth
  • Practicing self-reflection and self-awareness
  • Seeking feedback and constructive criticism from others

Q: How can we balance the need for spiritual guidance with the need for human wisdom in our decision-making?

A: We can balance the need for spiritual guidance with the need for human wisdom in our decision-making by seeking a combination of spiritual guidance and human wisdom. This may involve seeking guidance from experienced mentors and leaders, as well as developing our own wisdom through experience, study, and prayer.

Q: What are some common pitfalls to avoid when seeking wisdom in our lives?

A: Some common pitfalls to avoid when seeking wisdom in our lives include:

  • Relying solely on the Spirit to guide us in our decision-making
  • Ignoring the importance of human wisdom in decision-making
  • Failing to seek guidance from experienced mentors and leaders
  • Being closed-minded and resistant to new ideas and perspectives
  • Failing to practice self-reflection and self-awareness.