Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Introduction
For some, change is uncomfortable. Think of a time when your church changed—leaders did something you disagreed with, or needs went unfulfilled. How did you react? Did you bring up the issue to leaders? Did you pray about it? Perhaps you felt a bit disgruntled?
The church is full of people who are at different places in their walk with Jesus. In a growing church, current systems adapt to address needs. Yet we may become critical when we don’t like the music, the sermon, the new time for Bible study, or the leadership style. These issues arise because people have different desires, expectations, and ideas.
Sadly, conflict often threatens to derail or overshadow the gospel proclamation, which is Jesus’ primary mission for the church. In Acts, the main job of the apostles was to testify about Jesus. The church’s one overarching goal was to spread the gospel in order to make disciples. As members of the same church, it ought to be our main goal, too.
Observation
The Jerusalem church was a microcosm of the diverse city. Until now, the Christian community was bound to Judaism and the temple, and Hebrew Christians likely spoke Aramaic. However, the growth of the church resulted in the creation of new communities, and within each, widows were economically and socially vulnerable, having no family or property.
- In Acts 6:1, what dispute arises? Why was this an issue? Read Acts 4:34–35. See also Exodus 22:22, and Deuteronomy 14:29, 16:11, 14, and 24:19 as examples of caring for widows.
- How did the apostles respond, and what instructions were given to solve the problem?
- How did the church body respond to the apostles’ instructions?
- Describe the character of those chosen to help the widows.
- What did the apostles do to show they approved of these men?
- What was the result of resolving this dispute?
Interpretation
When disputes arise in the church, we often can’t see beyond the situation at hand. However, church issues arise while we’re spreading the gospel, making disciples, and bringing about God’s kingdom. This dispute between the Hellenists and the Hebrews was the devil’s third attack, intended to derail the spread of the gospel. As we will see, the devil had already tried corruption and persecution. This time, he tried distraction. He was trying to preoccupy the apostles with performing administrative tasks rather than preaching the Word.
- What were Jesus’ instructions to the apostles before ascending back into heaven? Read Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18–20. Why were the apostles especially appointed to begin the spread of the gospel? Read Acts 1:21–22.
- What growth had the church previously experienced? See Acts 1:15; 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:14. What threats had the church experienced? See Acts 5:1–11 and 5:17–18. How does the dispute in Acts 6:1–7 differ?
- How do we know that the church body respected the apostles’ leadership?
- When the church quickly and cooperatively handles internal disputes, resulting in good relationships and assistance, what does this communicate to the culture around us? What message does the church send if it is divided or does not resolve disputes lovingly?
Application
Churches should lead people to Christ, disciple them well, mature them in character, and raise them up to lead the church. Let us think both about the church’s mission in the world and our individual part in it.
- What distracts you from supporting the church’s mission of spreading the gospel? Does this need to be addressed with a leader, do you need to pray about it, or do you need to let the cause of distraction go for the sake of the gospel?
- What does Acts 6 teach us about roles in the local church? What should pastors and elders be focused on? What roles can deacons, other leaders, and members fulfill to assist pastors, just like “the seven” did for the apostles?
- How are you currently serving your local church? How conscious are you of the universal church—that is, the progress of the gospel in other countries? In what other ways could you serve the church locally or globally—including serving practically, giving money, praying, or other means?
For further study
- “Serving Widows, Preaching the Word, and Winning Priests” by John Piper
- “Service in Christ” by Leo Schuster
- “3 Leadership Lessons from Acts 6” by Joe Stengele
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
