What Did the 12 Apostles Want to Do in Acts 6? A Deep Dive into the Appointment of Deacons
Acts chapter 6 details a pivotal moment in the early church's development, highlighting a crucial issue faced by the twelve apostles and their solution. The core issue wasn't about what the apostles wanted to do personally, but rather what they recognized needed to be done to ensure the proper functioning and spiritual well-being of the burgeoning Christian community. In essence, they wanted to ensure the needs of the growing church were met effectively and equitably.
Let's break down their situation and the resulting action:
The Problem: Neglecting the Widows
The passage begins by describing a burgeoning church in Jerusalem experiencing rapid growth. This growth, while a blessing, brought with it a significant logistical challenge: "Now in those days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution." (Acts 6:1, ESV).
This wasn't about personal ambition or power struggles among the apostles. It was about a practical problem impacting the vulnerable members of their community. The daily distribution of food was likely a key element of the early church's communal living and support system. The complaint highlights a disparity: Hellenistic Jews (Greek-speaking Jews) felt their widows were receiving less attention and support than their Hebrew (Aramaic-speaking) counterparts. This wasn't necessarily intentional discrimination, but rather a consequence of the sheer scale of the growing congregation.
The Apostles' Response: Delegation and Prioritization
The twelve apostles, burdened by both spiritual leadership and the increasingly complex logistical demands, recognized the need for delegation. They didn't want to neglect either the spiritual needs of the church or the practical needs of the widows. They weren't trying to avoid work, but rather to ensure the work was done efficiently and fairly. Their desire was to focus on what they were uniquely equipped for: prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4).
People Also Ask (PAA) Questions and Answers:
1. Why were the Hellenistic Jews complaining in Acts 6?
The Hellenistic Jews complained because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food and necessities. This points to a potential organizational inefficiency within the burgeoning church, making it challenging to equitably serve all the needy. It also highlights the diversity within the early church and the potential for misunderstandings or inequalities to arise within a rapidly growing and diverse community.
2. What was the solution the apostles came up with in Acts 6?
The apostles' solution was to appoint seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the daily distribution of food. This act of delegation allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, the areas where they felt their skills and spiritual gifts were most needed. It shows a practical and wise approach to managing the challenges of growth while prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the entire community.
3. What is the significance of choosing seven men in Acts 6?
The number seven likely holds symbolic significance, perhaps representing completeness or fullness. However, the focus is less on the number itself and more on the qualities the chosen men possessed: good standing, full of the Spirit, and wisdom. These qualities were essential for effectively managing the logistical responsibilities and maintaining trust within the community. It shows an intentional and thoughtful process in selecting individuals fit for the task.
4. What were the duties of the seven men chosen in Acts 6?
The primary duty of the seven men chosen was to oversee the daily distribution of food to the widows, ensuring equitable and fair distribution. This freed up the apostles to focus on teaching, prayer, and overall spiritual leadership within the church. It's important to note that their role was primarily focused on practical service, supporting the overall spiritual mission of the church rather than taking over the roles of the apostles themselves.
5. How did the appointment of deacons change the early church?
The appointment of deacons marked a significant step in the organization and growth of the early church. It demonstrated the ability of the church to adapt to new challenges and to find creative solutions for efficient and equitable service. It established a pattern of delegation and the recognition that diverse skills and gifts are essential to the success of the church's mission. This organizational structure laid a foundation for the development of larger church structures and the continued expansion of Christianity.
In conclusion, the twelve apostles in Acts 6 weren't driven by personal desires but by a practical need to address an emerging crisis within their community. Their response demonstrates a wise leadership model, prioritizing delegation and recognizing the importance of serving the vulnerable members of their burgeoning faith community. This event provides a valuable lesson on effective leadership, organizational adaptation, and the significance of communal responsibility in the life of the church.
