What Did the 12 Apostles Want to Do in Acts 6? A Deeper Look at the Issue of Serving Tables
Acts 6 details a crucial moment in the early church's development, highlighting a tension between the spiritual needs of the burgeoning community and the practical demands of daily life. The twelve apostles, recognizing the growing disparity, weren't trying to avoid serving the Hellenistic widows, but rather they wanted to prioritize their core mission: prayer and the ministry of the word.
The passage doesn't describe the apostles wanting to do anything nefarious or avoid responsibilities. Instead, it showcases a strategic decision rooted in their understanding of their roles and the church's needs. Let's break down the situation and explore what the apostles were aiming for.
What was the problem described in Acts 6?
The burgeoning Christian community in Jerusalem was experiencing rapid growth, encompassing both Hebrew-speaking Jews and Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists). A significant issue arose concerning the daily distribution of food to widows. The Hellenistic widows felt they were being overlooked in the daily provision, leading to complaints within the community. This wasn't simply about food; it was about fairness and inclusivity within the burgeoning church.
Why did the apostles want to delegate the serving of tables?
The apostles recognized that their primary calling was devoted to spiritual matters:
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Prayer: Consistent, fervent prayer was essential for the church's guidance and spiritual strength. This wasn't merely a personal practice; it was integral to their leadership role.
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Ministry of the Word: The apostles were responsible for teaching, preaching, and spreading the Gospel message. This involved extensive teaching, evangelism, and spiritual leadership.
The apostles understood that if they continued to handle the daily distribution of food, it would significantly detract from these vital spiritual tasks. Delegating the task of serving tables allowed them to focus on their primary responsibilities, ensuring the spiritual health and growth of the entire community. It was a pragmatic solution to a growing administrative challenge.
Didn't the apostles want to serve the widows at all?
No, the passage doesn't suggest a lack of compassion or willingness to serve. The apostles were deeply concerned about the plight of the widows. However, they recognized that efficiently addressing the issue required a practical solution: appointing qualified individuals to handle the logistical aspects of food distribution, freeing the apostles to fulfill their spiritual leadership roles.
What was the solution proposed and implemented in Acts 6?
The apostles proposed a solution: selecting seven men, "full of the Spirit and wisdom," to oversee the daily distribution of food. This wasn't an abdication of responsibility, but a strategic delegation designed to ensure both the spiritual and physical needs of the community were met effectively. This delegation of tasks highlights the importance of organizational structure and effective leadership in a rapidly growing community. The chosen men, including Stephen, were then ordained and given the task.
In conclusion, the twelve apostles in Acts 6 weren't trying to shirk responsibility. They were strategically delegating a practical task to better fulfill their primary roles as spiritual leaders, ensuring the overall well-being and growth of the early church. Their actions demonstrate a practical and effective approach to leadership within a growing and diverse community.
