Acts 6:1-6:7

Growing Pains of the Church

There were many challenges as the early church began - among them, some widows being neglected. This resulted in some hurt feelings and the need for the Apostles to deal with the problem in a straightforward manner, while keeping their own priorities in line. Our reference is in chapter six of the book of Acts.

  1. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
  2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
  3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
  4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
  5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
  6. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
  7. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.