[Thurs, 30 May] Acts 6:1-7 (459 words; 2/9)

The Jerusalem church now has what might be called a 'good problem': their numbers have increased so much that meeting practical need is starting to fail. The Greek Jewish widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. These are Jews from the diaspora who have moved to Israel. Quite a number of diaspora Jews moved—when the time drew near—to die in the Holy Land. But, as the men would often die first, a large amount of widows were left behind, who had also left their other family members in the countries they'd come from. Thus they might now be completely without support. 

The practical decision the apostles have now to take is similar to that which Moses faced when leading Israel after the Exodus. His father-in-law exhorted him to focus on representing the people to God, and teaching the law to the people. Meanwhile, selected trustworthy men were to handle all the other lesser affairs of the people (see Exod 18:17-23). This is essentially how the apostles handle their situation. 

But there is something slightly unsettling here: didn't Jesus teach and model humble service? The Son of Man came not be served, but to serve (Mk 10:45; cf. Lk 22:26-27)...and what about when he washed the disciples' feet (see esp Jn 13:12-17)? Surely there is no task which is 'beneath' a leader or apostle? But this is not the implication of the arrangement. First of all, the apostles were eyewitnesses, chosen by Jesus himself (Matthias was added afterwards by the exalted [i.e. in heaven] Jesus—addressed by Peter as 'Lord' in 1:24 cf. v. 21—through prayer and lots). Like Moses, they had received special revelation directly, and it was their job to teach it and preach it, as well as intercede (n.b. prayer is mentioned first! see v. 4). 

Secondly, the men chosen for this task by the community were no mere administrators, but "men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (v. 3), that is, men who already stood out in the community as leaders. As we will see in tomorrow's reading, Stephen was himself engaged in preaching and performing signs and wonders. This confirms what was said in yesterday's comment, that Luke has not focused on Peter because only Peter was doing wonderful things! Even non-apostles were, too (see also Philip's extraordinary activities in ch. 8!).

Luke adds another typical summary of progress in v. 7 which follows a batch of activity and precedes the next stage of his story. Noteworthy in this one is that "a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." The Lord will allow persecution against his people, but his victories should also not be overlooked, nor should the opportunities which that persecution goes on to create.