Acts 6:2

"Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service."

Key Reflection

This verse highlights early tensions within the Christian community as it grew diverse, with Greek-speaking (Hellenist) and Hebrew-speaking (Hebrew) believers having different cultural practices. The neglect of Hellenist widows in daily ministrations underscored the need for organizational changes to ensure all members were cared for equitably, foreshadowing the establishment of deacons like Stephen.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. Then the twelve. That is, the apostles. Matthias had been added to them after the apostasy of Judas, which had completed the original number. The multitude of the disciples. It is not necessary to suppose that all the disciples were convened, which amounted to many thousands, but that the business was laid before a large number; or perhaps the multitude here means those merely who were more particularly interested in the matter, and who had been engaged in the complaint. It is not reason. The original words used here properly denote, it is not pleasing, or agreeable; but the meaning evidently is, it is not fit, or proper.

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