Acts 6:1

Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose. murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

'NOW IN THESE DAYS'-Most feel that the first six Chapter s of Acts cover. time period from 4-6 years.

'WHEN THE NUMBER OF THE DISCIPLES WAS MULTIPLYING'-'constantly increasing' (TCNT).

'THERE AROSE. MURMURING'-1112. goggusmos gong-goos-mos'; from 1111;. grumbling: -grudging, murmuring.

-'complaints were made' (TCNT). We should note that God wants us to be very careful about how we express our concerns or complaints. We seem to forget that God treats "murmuring" in the same way that He treats idolatry and fornication (1 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 2:15; 1 Peter 4:9).

'OF THE GRECIAN JEWS AGAINST THE HEBREWS'-'We see in this complaint the first symptom of. loss of the harmony and oneness and unanimous good will noted by Luke earlier.' (Reese p. 247)

Points to Note:

The phrase "Grecian Jews", denotes not only Jews who spoke Greek, but Jews who probably used the Septuagint version of the O.T., instead of the Hebrew. Stott notes, 'It has usually been supposed that they were distinguished from each other by. mixture of geography and language. That is, the Hellenistai (Grecian Jews) came from the diaspora (lived outside of Palestine)..while the Hebraio (Hebrews) were natives of Palestine...This is an inadequate explanation, however. Since Paul called himself 'Hebraios' (2 Corinthians 11:22; 1 Peter 3:5), in spite of the fact that he came from Tarsus and spoke Greek, the distinction must go beyond origin and language to culture. In this case the Hellenistai not only spoke Greek but thought and behaved like Greeks, while the Hebraioi not only spoke Aramaic but were deeply immersed in Hebrew culture.' (p. 120)

'The Hellenistic Jews, to. greater or lesser degree, had adopted more of the Greek ideals and customs...In Jewish communities the Hebrews, who had not adopted the Greek customs, tended to look down on the Hellenists as being somewhat less holy.' (Reese p. 247)

'BECAUSE THEIR WIDOWS WERE NEGLECTED IN THE DAILY MINISTRATION'-

Points to Note:

Here we learn that one of groups which constituted those in need (Acts 4:32), were widows. The New Testament not only makes provision for the congregation to help its widows, but also provision for permanently taking care of. widow indeed (1 Timothy 5:1).

The neglect here doesn't seem to be intentional. (a) With the congregation growing so fast, it makes sense that some may have been unintentionally overlooked. (b) Erdman notes, 'widows..who could not speak Hebrew, might most naturally be overlooked' (p. 64). What we have here might be nothing more than. breakdown of communication.

'Neglected'-'Lit., were overlooked. The imperfect denoting something habitual.' (Vincent p. 474)

Note that growth does bring problems. So if we want to grow, it means we need to be prepared to handle the little problems which are the side effects of such growth.

In the big picture, this was. small problem. But small problems which are not dealt with, or handled in. right attitude, can destroy. congregation.

'DAILY MINISTRATION'-'daily distribution' (TCNT). 1248. diakonia dee-ak-on-ee'-ah; from 1249; attendance (as. servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or techn. of the diaconate): -(ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing).

Apparently relief was given to the widows on. daily basis. Either food, etc.. was provided on. daily basis, or funds were distributed so the widows could buy their own food and take care of their daily needs.

McGarvey notes, 'By daily ministration is meant the daily distribution from the fund contributed by benevolent members, which was made "to every one as he had need". That it was made daily, and that the widows were the principal recipients, confirms our former conclusion that there was no general equalization of property, but only. provision for the needy.' (p. 103)

Robertson observes, 'The temple funds for widows were probably not available for those who have now become Christians.' (p. 72)