Acts 6:1

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

1. The church began by adding 3,000 souls. (2:41) Then more were added daily. (2:47) The number grew to over 5,000 men. (4:4)

2. Now the number was multiplying. The lowest whole number by which you can multiply Isaiah 2:1-22. That means the church was not added - it was doubling.

3. As with any rapid growth - there are growing pains.

4. Hellenists - Greek speaking (as opposed to many Jews who were Hebrew speaking). There were many Jews who lived in nations that spoke only Greek and that is the only language they knew.

5. B. W. Johnson says, "The Grecians" were not Greeks, or Gentiles, but foreign Jews, who were born and brought up out of Palestine, and spoke the Greek language. This class of Jews was found in almost every city where Paul preached."

1. Caution: We must not separate and divide the church by nationality, race, color, or language.

2. There was a feeling of superiority by those who spoke Hebrew, as if they were better, more deserving, and of more importance.

3. It is also possible the the Hebrew speaking just made more complaints. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

6. The daily distribution shows that the needs were being met on a daily basis. God did this with the children of Israel in the wilderness. He gave them manna each day. Not a weeks supply. The model prayer teaches us to pray, "Give us this day, our daily bread."

7. I do not believe the neglect was intentional, just an oversight. When it was learned that some had "fallen through the cracks", the problem was addressed immediately.