Acts 6:1-7
Introduction:
1. Last week we saw another problem facing the church from outside.
2. Today we see the threat of internal strife facing the early church.
3. Our special interest is in learning to wisely handle internal strife.
Discussion:
I. The Problem (vs. 1)
A. With the burgeoning number of disciples, the equitable care seen in earlier chapters (2:44-45; 4:32-5:11) became more difficult to execute.
B. Hebrew bias was a possible cause (cf. 2 Kings 17:24; John 4:9).
1. Hellenists: Greek speaking Jews born in foreign lands (Mounce).
2. Hebrews: primarily Aramaic speaking Jew of Palestine (Mounce).
C. It was perceived that the Hebrew widows received preferential treatment.
D. It may also have been an honest oversight caused by such great numbers.
E. Whatever the cause, the dissension was detrimental to the church.
II. The Solution (vv. 2-6)
A. The apostles needed to focus on their role of prayer and preaching (6:2,4).
B. The Spirit’s wisdom in the apostles is brilliantly displayed in this solution:
1. The threat was taken seriously and given immediate attention.
2. Those offended were given a say in the solution, proving their value to the Lord, the apostles, and the congregation as a whole.
3. The solution was sufficient for the need as seven were chosen to serve.
4. The qualities demanded of the seven ensured the widows’ proper care.
5. Their installation by the apostles bolstered the confidence of the whole.
III. The Results (vv. 5-7)
A. The proposal “…pleased the whole multitude” (vs. 5), and with the dissension quieted, the congregation resumed its activities.
B. The unity of the church was preserved with the result that:
1. The word of God spread.
2. The number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.
3. Even some of the priests were obedient to the faith.
C. This is what it looks like when the church does things the Lord’s way.
Conclusion:
1. Every congregation faces troubles from time to time.
2. Employing the wisdom of God is crucial when such troubles arise.
3. This episode shows the immense need for unity in the church (John 17:20-21).