The main text for this lesson has often been considered a template for selecting leaders in the church—particularly deacons. But perhaps that is not its purpose at all. Maybe it is a template on how the early church resolved problems. Technically, deacons are not even mentioned in the passage (though the Greek verb for “serving,” from which we get our word “deacon,” is mentioned). Luke seemed content to refer to them as the seven men.

The New Testament describes the selection of church leaders in various ways. Jesus handpicked them (Luke 6:13), Paul and Barnabas “appointed” (literally “to raise the hand”) elders in the church (Acts 14:23). Titus likewise was instructed to “appoint” (“to cause to stand”) elders in every city (Titus 1:5). So there seems to be some fluidity in how the earliest church selected their leaders. In our lesson text, the congregation played a role, as guided by the apostles.

The Precedent for Widow Care (Acts 2:44-47)

Two emphases provided the precedent for widow care. First was the Old Testament itself. The Law of Moses made it abundantly clear that widows, sojourners, and the fatherless were to be cared for (Deuteronomy 24:17-22; 26:12). They were not to suffer from misapplied or perverted justice, and garments were not to be taken in pledge from them. During harvest, fields, olive trees, and vineyards were not to be stripped bare. Leftovers were to be intentionally left for those in need. They were also to receive (along with the Levites) a portion of the tithe that was collected from the harvests every three years (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

The second precedent was the practice of the early church. Miracles were quite common in those early days (v. 43). Wonders (miracles that cause great surprise) and signs (miracles that point to greater spiritual realities) were being performed by the apostles. Just as stunning, perhaps, was the tender and unselfish care the church provided to everyone in the body. People experienced the wonder of unselfish love as they shared all things in common. This showed in the way believers sold properties and gave the proceeds to anyone who had need. They met in large gatherings (in the temple courts) and in homes (where they shared common tables). They shared in the breaking of “the” bread—Communion (Acts 2:42)—as well as the breaking of bread, or the sharing of meals, in each other’s homes. It was an exciting community as they rejoiced, praised God, and enjoyed the favor (grace) of all the people. No wonder God added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Proposal for Widow Care (Acts 6:1-7)

The number of disciples was increasing during the days of the earliest persecutions of the church (Acts 4:3, 18, 21; 5:41-42). Some scholars estimate that the church could have grown to 20,000 people by the time of this complaint about food distribution. External conflict for the church is not pleasant, but internal conflict is more deadly. When the integrity of the believers’ speech breaks down, the mission of the church cannot help but be compromised (Acts 5:1-11). Likewise, when charges of prejudice are made (whether founded or unfounded), someone is hurting.

Hellenistic Jews were those who had been heavily influenced by the Greek or Hellenistic culture spread by Alexander the Great. These were Jews who had become Christians—but they had come under the umbrella of Greek culture, language, and philosophy. These folks complained (murmured or grumbled) against the more native Hebraic Jews, who might be called “true-blue Jews.” They were Christians but still heavily steeped in their Jewish traditions.

J.K. Jones said, “There is a grain of truth even in unjustified criticism.” Whether it was true or not, some felt that prejudice was being shown. Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the “Meals on Wheels” program of the early church. The Twelve called a congregational meeting. They explained the dilemma: they were being distracted from the praying and preaching that Jesus called them to do. They suggested a plan to solve the problem that consisted of the believers choosing seven men to handle this responsibility. The whole group selected the men, then presented them to the apostles who ordained them (laid hands on them) to the work.

All of the seven men chosen had Greek names, which was a risky yet innovative way to solve the problem since, coming from that background, they would be more sensitive to the needs of those widows who had been overlooked in the distribution of food. All of those chosen had to be known as men full of the Spirit and wisdom. The result was church growth. The gospel spread because the apostles could go back to preaching and prayer. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly—even to the point that a large number of priests obeyed the faith. What a creative solution!

Mark Scott serves as preaching minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Mo. For 35 years, until 2021, he served as professor of preaching and New Testament with Ozark Christian College in Joplin.