Question 6
- How was the problem of discrimination solved in the early church by the apostles?
- State three effects of discrimination in society
Observation
This question was straightforward and it attracted many candidates. Performances to this question were commendable. Many candidates gave a proper narrative of what transpired in the early church and how the characteristic of communal living was a norm at the beginning of the church. The major challenge candidates encountered in the A part was their inability to list out the names of the seven deacons. The part B was better answered as a greater percentage of the candidates maxed out the scores in this part. They used their everyday experience of how discrimination could adversely affect a community to relate with the question. Notable points candidates pointed out were;
- A complaint was made to the Apostles about discrimination among believers with regards to the welfare of the widows
- This problem came up due to the increase in the number of the early church.
- The Apostles informed the brethren that they could not forgo their main task of preaching the word of God to serve tables.
- What the Apostles said pleased the whole multitude.
- They therefore said that competent men should be appointed to be in charge of the daily distribution.
- And they would have time to engage in evangelism.
- Seven men of good character were to be appointed.
- They should be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- These men were also to have wisdom.
- Among them was Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
- Others were Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicola.
- They were brought before the Apostles who laid their hands on them and prayed for them.
- This was to signify that they had been commissioned to cater for the welfare of the widows in the early church.
- EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY
- It greatly affects team morale and can lead to apathy at the work place.
- It reduces people’s trust and confidence in leadership.
- It creates a feeling of exclusion or rejection in people.
- Employees who are discriminated against may feel unappreciated by their employers.
- It affects loyalty, commitment and sense of ownership at the workplace.
- It breeds resentment and conflict.
- It leads to social vices.
- It stifles initiative/innovation.