“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. “
Acts 6:1

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OCTOBER 28, 2024

Growth pangs. So many people were coming to Christ in Jerusalem! The church was growing, and new believers were being transformed through the apostles’ teaching of the word of God by the work of the Spirit. And there was genuine concern for the wellbeing of others within the body.

The Grecian Jewish believers—Jews of the diaspora who had assimilated generations ago into Hellenistic language and culture—expressed concern that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, compared to the widows of the Hebraic Jews—who primarily retained Aramaic or Hebrew language, culture, and homeland.

Consider how much diversity—with all the joy and conflict that comes with it—is insinuated in that one sentence. Even before the Gentiles were grafted into the community, these Jewish men and women were from nearly all known countries, cultures, and languages, attempting to build one community under Christ as one people.

The Grecian Jews spoke out with a concern. This may not evidence disunity, but rather candid identification of an oversight that needed attention. We are fallible people under the leadership of imperfect individuals, who may not be cognizant of every circumstance that arises within the body! We need good communication, leaders who listen, a heart for the welfare of others, and willingness to speak out on their behalf.

Problems can begin within a church community without malfeasance on the part of anyone. A misunderstanding can usually be resolved through forthright dialogue, if there is humility to listen and learn from the perspective of the other person or group.

The deeper motivation that undergirds all of this is love. Love is willing to sacrifice or forego for the benefit of others. Could it be that as soon as the Hebraic Jews realized the widows of the Grecian Jews were being overlooked, they immediately shared their food with them? After all, our calling is not to ensure that our welfare is maintained, but to serve one another in love.

When we follow Jesus and live by faith, we can confidently place our well-being into His fully capable hands.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What kinds of problems have you observed in the church?
  • What was your response?
  • How has mutual love and submission mitigated problems within the body in your experience?

 

Church Reading Plan: Hosea 1; Psalm 119:73-96