Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. (2) Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. (3) Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business, (4) but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, (6) whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. (7) Then, the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Acts of the apostles was written by Dr. Luke, historian of the early church. In today’s verses we read of a dispute between the Hellenists – Jews of the dispersal who spoke Greek and were raised in that culture – and the Hebrews. The latter were Jews raised in the culture of Israel and mainly Jerusalem where the church began on Pentecost Sunday. The growth of the early Chirch was miraculous and we are told the Christians lived together in godly ways, sharing everything. The dispute arose over distribution of food to the Hellenist widows.
The Law had always commanded that widows be looked after in their need and this obligation was apparently unfairly meted out – it could have been as simple as geography and accessibility. But the apostles reacted promptly and correctly by calling the whole group and charging them to appoint seven men – filled with the Spirit and wisdom – to be in charge of this task. The apostles rightly claimed their mission and priority was to spread the word of God and pray.
The names of the men chosen tell us they were Hellenists Jews who were chosen and the inclusion of Nicholas tells us that he was a GENTILE convert to Judaism – this is a turning point in the story of the spread of the church. Verse seven then tells us that many of the priests/ rabbis were also converted to the faith which also indicates that an era is closing. Persecution of the early Christians has been quiet since the Sanhedrin backed off at the advice of Gamelial and the greatest obstacles to the gospel had been stilled. But now we see the inclusion of diverse groups which indicates opposition is bound to appear.
Hellenistic Jews will oppose Stephen – the first martyr – joined by a roused Sanhedrin. Saul who will become st Paul is about to appear in this history. The violent death of Stephen ushers in a time of persecution and dispersal of the Christian Jews to Samaria and rest of the known world – a time of transition and the plan of God to spread the gospel. The progress of the gospel was all of God but the responsibility for this was that of man