Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

As the disciples grew in number, internal disputes arose. The Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) felt the Hebrews (Hebrew-speaking Jews) widows received better treatment.

The twelve apostles summoned the disciples and said:

It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.Acts 6:2

I initially didn’t understand what they meant by “serve tables”. Some translations refer to “handling finances”.

I can only imagine that the disciples have grown so much to the point that they need people in charge of these administrative tasks. But at the same time, most of the effort should still be on preaching the word of God.

The apostles asked the disciples to elect seven qualified and faithful people among them.

Stephen Is Seized

One of the seven, Stephen, was full of grace and started performing wonders and signs among the people.

But evil is at play too. Stephen faced opposition, but they couldn’t withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he was speaking.

So they went the foul route and hired people to bear false witness about Stephen.