Acts 6:1-4

The first dissension in the church Acts 6:1-4: Until this time, the growth of the church had been great and the harmony of the church had been undisturbed. The number of disciples continued to grow rapidly. There were twelve, then a hundred and twenty, three thousand more, then five thousand more, and after that a multitude of men and women and now the number continued to multiply. In the midst of this time, "there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." (Acts 6:1)

The apostles found themselves unable to minister to every demand. When the Gospel is preached and there is an increase Satan does his best to get a footing. Have you ever noticed how often Satan is able to stir up trouble with the cry of "partiality?"

The Apostles did not feel that God would be pleased if they left the word of God to serve tables. They felt that they should commit themselves to the study of God's word, meditation upon it, and the preaching of it. It takes a great deal of time to collect for the poor, check out each case, and circumstances, and distribute to those needs. The apostles felt that they should reserve themselves for spiritual services.

The church selecting seven good men to be appointed over this work resolved the problem. These were to be men full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom. Wisdom would allow these brethren to handle the benevolent needs in a most prudent manner. The apostles were then able to give themselves to prayer and preaching.