![]() Introduction Today, we turn our attention to Acts 6:1–7, a passage highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by the early Church during its rapid growth. As the message of Jesus Christ spread, more and more people joined the community of believers, creating a vibrant and diverse congregation. While this growth was a cause for celebration, it also brought practical difficulties in managing the needs of such a large and varied group. A particular issue arose concerning the distribution of food to widows, where certain groups, like the Hellenistic Jews, felt overlooked in favor of the Hebraic Jews. This tension threatened to disrupt the unity of the Church and distract the apostles from their primary mission of prayer and ministry of the Word. This passage not only reveals how the early Church faced these challenges but also demonstrates the wisdom of appointing Spirit-filled individuals to ensure that the community's needs were met without compromising their spiritual priorities. Acts 6:1 - 7 In the early days of the Church, as the number of believers increased, so did the diversity of its members. Among these were Hebraic Jews and Grecian Jews. Hebraic Jews were native to Judea and primarily spoke Aramaic or Hebrew, maintaining strong ties to Jewish traditions and customs. In contrast, Grecian Jews, or Hellenistic Jews, were Greek-speaking and lived outside Judea due to the diaspora—a scattering of the Jewish population that began in 586 BC when the Babylonians destroyed the first temple. While both groups shared a common faith and ancestry, cultural and linguistic differences created challenges in the community. One issue arose around the care of widows, who were among the most vulnerable members of Jewish society. Jewish traditions prioritized supporting widows, and the early Church adopted similar practices through the daily distribution of food. However, it became evident that the Grecian widows were being overlooked in this distribution while the Hebraic widows were being adequately served. This inconsistency likely stemmed from logistical challenges or unconscious biases, but it caused frustration and complaints from the Grecian Jews, highlighting a growing divide within the community. The Grecian Jews were a unique group within the early Church. They were descendants of those who had fled Judea during the Babylonian conquest and had since lived in various parts of the Greek-speaking world. Many of these Jews later returned to Jerusalem, particularly in their old age, desiring to die and be buried in the holy city. Without extended family nearby, Grecian widows were especially dependent on the Church for their daily needs. Their neglect of food distribution created a practical problem and raised concerns about fairness and unity within the Church. The diaspora, which began centuries earlier, had a lasting impact on Jewish identity and community dynamics. While the Hebraic Jews maintained a closer connection to their homeland and traditional practices, the Grecian Jews blended Jewish heritage and Hellenistic cultural influences. Though enriching, these differences also led to misunderstandings and divisions that needed to be addressed for the Church to remain united and effective in its mission. It’s reasonable to conclude that the neglect of the Grecian Jews was not intentional discrimination but rather a result of the overwhelming needs of the growing Church. The rapid expansion of the community presented logistical challenges, and if not addressed carefully, this situation could have led to significant division within the Church. This reality is still relevant today. Churches often face challenges when needs within the congregation go unmet or unrealistic expectations are placed on leadership. Sometimes, a church grows so large that it becomes difficult to manage the increasing demands, leaving some members feeling overlooked. Other times, leadership may be overwhelmed by the sheer weight of responsibilities, unable to keep up with their expectations. In either case, if these challenges are not addressed, they can lead to division and even the collapse of a church community. The apostles in Acts 6 found themselves in a similar predicament. As needs were being overlooked, they recognized they could not take on additional responsibilities without compromising their primary mission. Rather than ignoring the problem, they wisely sought a solution. They restructured their leadership to ensure that the congregation's needs could be met effectively. In response to the concerns of the Grecian Jews, the apostles declared, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” By delegating responsibility to qualified individuals, the apostles ensured that the Church's spiritual and practical needs were addressed, maintaining unity and focus within the community. At first glance, the apostles’ response might seem dismissive, as if they considered themselves too important to handle the practical needs of the church, such as serving widows. However, that is not the case. Their response was not an attempt to diminish the importance of caring for widows but rather a recognition of their God-given calling to focus on preaching the Word and prayer. The apostles affirmed the significance of the ministry to the widows while understanding that they could not effectively fulfill both roles. Instead, they sought others who were called and equipped to serve in this vital area of ministry. In response, the apostles appointed the first deacons of the church. While the passage does not explicitly use the term "deacons," it lays the foundation for this role. The Greek word for deacon means "servant," "attendant," or "one who waits upon." These seven individuals were appointed to serve the people, specifically to ensure the needs of the widows were met. The role of a deacon is far more than just a title or position within the church—it is a sacred calling to serve with humility and dedication. Deacons are vital to the church's life, as they ensure the practical needs of the congregation are addressed, creating a strong foundation for ministry. By taking on these responsibilities, deacons enable pastors and elders to devote themselves fully to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Their appointment underscores the significance of shared leadership and the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ. However, the calling of a deacon comes with specific requirements outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8–10: "In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons." A deacon must be a person of respect and integrity, not indulging in heavy drinking or dishonest practices for personal gain. They must be committed to the truth of the Christian faith and live with a clear conscience. Additionally, their character and actions should be tested and proven trustworthy before they are entrusted with the responsibilities of this role, ensuring they are prepared to serve the church with faithfulness and humility. A deacon must be a spiritual person who is submitted to God and possesses a vision for the future. They must also demonstrate wisdom, an essential quality for leadership. Wisdom is not about knowing everything, nor is it solely about intelligence. Rather, wisdom often involves understanding one’s limitations and recognizing that we don’t have all the answers. It is a quality that grows with time and experience. As Mark Twain once humorously observed, when he was fifteen, he thought his father was ignorant, but by the time he turned twenty-one, he was amazed at how much his father had “learned” in just six years. This highlights that wisdom comes from perspective, humility, and a willingness to learn over time. The Grecian Jews were pleased with the apostles’ proposal and selected seven men to take on this important responsibility. The men chosen were Stephen, described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” along with Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch, who had previously converted to the Jewish faith. These men were brought before the apostles, who laid hands on them and prayed over them. By appointing these seven, the apostles ensured that the practical needs of the community were met, allowing the gospel to continue spreading and more souls to be added to the Kingdom of God. Application Christianity is not a solo act—it’s a team effort. The Bible often refers to the church as a body, emphasizing that we are a group of individuals working together to fulfill a purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12:24–27, it says: "But God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it." We are reminded here that we form one body, and each of us has a unique role to play. God has gifted every believer, and it’s essential that we use these gifts to serve the church and glorify Him. James Montgomery Boice observes, “People who study church growth find that, in order to have a maximally healthy church, at least 60 percent of the people should be engaged in some church work.” He further explains, “If you have a church where 60 percent of the people are engaged in some work for Jesus Christ, that church is in ministry... However, as valuable as that 60 percent figure may be as a goal, it can never be the ideal. The ideal is 100 percent, and the apostles, with wisdom from God, recognized this principle when they suggested the election of these deacons.” The ministry work is relevant today as we strive to build a healthy, thriving church community. Here are three practical ways to apply these truths to our lives and service within the church.
Conclusion Acts 6:1–7 reminds us that the early Church, despite its rapid growth and diversity, faced challenges much like those we encounter today. From the neglect of certain groups to the overwhelming responsibilities of leadership, the apostles demonstrated a Spirit-filled approach to problem-solving—one that prioritized unity, service, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. By delegating responsibilities and appointing Spirit-filled individuals, the apostles ensured that both practical and spiritual needs were met, allowing the Church to continue thriving. This passage calls us to reflect on our role within the body of Christ. As members of His Church, we are all uniquely gifted and called to serve. When it comes to the work of the Lord, no task is too small or role insignificant. Whether through prayer, teaching, serving, or supporting others, each of us has a part to play in fulfilling God’s mission. Let us take inspiration from the wisdom and humility of the apostles and the faithfulness of the seven appointed deacons. May we build a community where every member is valued, every need is met, and the name of Jesus is glorified. Just as the early Church flourished when each person contributed, we can see God’s kingdom expand when we unite with hearts committed to serving Him and one another. So, as we go forth, let us ask ourselves: How can we serve the body of Christ today? How can we use our God-given gifts to glorify Him and bless others? Let us step into our calling with faith, humility, and a willingness to serve, trusting that God will use us for His glory.
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Jeff has been in full-time ministry for thirty years. He currently serves as Executive Director at Anchor House Ministry at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto, FL and he is a part-time Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Southside in Bradenton, Florida.
Jeff Has authored A Lent Devotional (A Spiritual Journey to Lent) an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). All three are available on Amazon. He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea. Preview or purchase Jeff's Books
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