Acts 6: Highlights and Discussion

Highlights:

Ideally, we should read Acts 6 and 7 together. But, after some thought I think reading one chapter at a time will allow us more time to dig into the Word.

Acts 6:1-7: Complaint by the Greeks that their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Seven men were chosen to serve.

Acts 6:8-15: Stephen accused of blasphemy.

Discussion:

Among the early Christians, who were all Jews, tension developed between Hebrews (Jewish Christians from Palestine who spoke mainly Aramaic and/or Hebrew) and Hellenists (Jewish Christians from outside Palestine who spoke mainly Greek). - Taken from Andrews Study Bible.

From our previous chapters in Acts 4 and 5, we learned that the church had taken the responsibility to care for those who are in need. Jews who accepted Christ may have been kicked out of their homes, shunned and disowned. So, with no family, no shelter, no food, they really depend on the help, kindness, and generosity of the church.

The widows mentioned here in chapter 6, would be among those who are in need and the church has the responsibility of taking care of them, making sure their needs are met. So, why were their needs not met? Why were they "neglected in the daily distribution?" as mentioned in Acts 6:1. This was the main reason why the seven men were chosen, because a complaint arose. So, I think if we start our scripture digging here, it may help us with understanding the rest of the chapter or at least put it in perspective for us.