the problem and solution described in these verses.
1 In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number,
there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews
that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.
2 The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said,
“It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God
to wait on tables.
3 Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation,
full of the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we can appoint to this duty.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
partner with church leaders in meeting the needs of others.
The church’s growth inevitably created some tension
The daily distribution of food to widows would be a vital, ongoing act of service in that culture.
verses 2-4 on pages 75-76 of the PSG.
Recognize the dangers of ignoring the developing rift.
act, both to protect church unity and as a compassionate response
the priority of preaching the Word.
This was the mission that they had received from Jesus.
Distractions would limit their effectiveness as apostles.
All believers are called to serve Christ in the way we have been designed, gifted, and called.
The Twelve also showed wisdom by allowing the body to identify who would serve them.
Character is more important than competency.
God will empower an individual with character to accomplish His plans.
However, all the abilities in the world cannot make up for character gaps.
Hellenistic . . . Hebraic Jews
Even though God was blessing the young community of faith with increased numbers,
not everything was perfect.
A complaint was raised by one group within the church,
and the leaders needed to address it.
This dispute over the treatment of widows included a cultural element.
While most (if not all) members of the church were Jewish,
they came from different backgrounds.
Hellenistic Jews primarily spoke Greek and either came from a Gentile culture
before converting to Judaism or had lived in Gentile lands before moving back to Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, Hebraic Jews spoke Aramaic and were rooted
in traditional Jewish heritage and culture.
Culture should never define the way that we treat people—
especially other believers.
In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek (Gal. 3:28).
Lead the group to review the approach adopted by the apostles
and to talk about how it reflects problem solving abilities.
Outline the characteristics the apostles set as prerequisites
talk about why those qualities are so important for church leaders.
Spend time praying for your church’s pastor
(s)—that they would not be distracted from their God-given priorities. (PSG, p. 77)