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Chapter 35—Gospel Order
This chapter is based on
Acts 6:1-7
.
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, be-
cause their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” These
Grecians were residents of other countries, where the Greek lan-
guage was spoken. By far the larger number of converts were Jews
who spoke Hebrew; but these had lived in the Roman Empire, and
spoke only Greek. Murmurings began to rise among them that the
Grecian widows were not so liberally supplied as the needy among
the Hebrews. Any partiality of this kind would have been grievous to
God; and prompt measures were taken to restore peace and harmony
to the believers.
The Holy Spirit suggested a method whereby the apostles might
be relieved from the task of apportioning to the poor, and similar
burdens, so that they could be left free to preach Christ. “Then the
twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is
not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint
over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer,
and to the ministry of the word.”
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The church accordingly selected seven men full of faith and the
wisdom of the Spirit of God, to attend to the business pertaining
to the cause. Stephen was chosen first; he was a Jew by birth and
religion, but spoke the Greek language, and was conversant with the
customs and manners of the Greeks. He was therefore considered
the most proper person to stand at the head and have supervision of
the disbursement of the funds appropriated to the widows, orphans,
and the worthy poor. This selection met the minds of all, and the
dissatisfaction and murmuring were quieted.
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