Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.
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The First Deacons
• A dispute arises in the early church between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews because the Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
• The Twelve Apostles gather the whole company of disciples and propose that seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, be chosen to handle this administrative task, so they can devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.
• The proposal pleases the whole group, and they choose Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
• These seven are presented to the apostles, who pray for them and lay their hands on them, ordaining them for this service.
As a result, the ministry expands, and the word of God spreads even more, with many, including a large number of priests, coming to faith.
The theme of Acts 6 centers on the organization and growth of the early church, highlighting the importance of addressing internal disputes wisely, ensuring equitable treatment among members, and the delegation of responsibilities to maintain the focus on spiritual leadership. This chapter illustrates the balance between practical service and spiritual ministry, showing how effective organization can lead to the spread of the gospel and church growth.
