Acts 6:2

And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

'AND THE TWELVE'-Contrary to the claims of some critics, Matthias was Scripturally elected and is viewed by the Holy Spirit as being. legitimate apostle. Hence we have 12 apostles. This view also informs us that all 12 apostles stayed in Jerusalem in the early days of the Church.

'CALLED THE MULTITUDE'-'The apostles wisely determined to put the trouble right at once.' (Bruce p. 128)

'IT IS NOT FIT'-'Lit., pleasing or agreeable' (Vincent p. 474). 701. arestos ar-es-tos'; from 700; agreeable; by implication, fit: -(things that) please(-ing), reason.

'FORSAKE'-2641. kataleipo kat-al-i'-po; from 2596 and 3007; to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining: -forsake, leave, reserve.

-'leave in the lurch' (Vincent p. 474)

'THE WORD OF GOD'-i.e. neglect the preaching of the Word of God. Note: The Apostles clearly understood that they were preaching and teaching the Word of God. They knew that the content of their sermons and teaching was inspired by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

'SERVE TABLES'-1247. diakoneo dee-ak-on-eh'-o; from 1249; to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as. host, friend, or [figuratively] teacher); techn. to act as. Christian deacon: -(ad-)minister (unto), serve, use the office of. deacon.

-'The word "table" is used with several different connotations. It may speak of the table off which. family would eat its food, at times even being equivalent of the food which is set on the table...So in this context, which speaks of the receipt and disbursement of the common fund, the word is well suited whether it speaks of food being put on the table of the poor, or simply of the distribution of funds so the poor can purchase their own needs.' (Reese p. 249)

Points to Note:

There is no hint that the apostles felt themselves to be "above" such work. Rather, it is. question of the wise use of talents. The apostles could speak by inspiration. They were desperately needed to teach and preach the Word. Being involved in the distribution of funds would cut into valuable preaching time.

There is. great lesson here for any congregation. People need to be encouraged to serve in the realm of their abilities. And members need to step forward and take care of such things as the "daily ministration", so such individuals as the elders, can be freed to spend their time watching for the souls of Christians (Hebrews 13:17). One of the best ways that. congregation can help the elders or the preacher, is to take care of the various many physical needs in the congregation, so these individuals are freed to do what they do best.

While benevolence is important, notice that the Church has an even higher mission that caring for the physical needs of its own members. Reese notes, 'that this is just opposite to the emphasis of the "Social Gospel"...That central idea was that the chief interest of the Gospel has to do with every social area: business, government, economics, the family, the community, national and international problems. "Sin" was defined as whatever was evil and unjust in these institutions...And so the main emphasis...was diverted from salvation of men's souls by restoring. right relationship to God through obedience to Jesus, to emphasis on social progress. In the Bible order of things, social progress is. by-product of salvation from personal sin.' (p. 249)

Note again that the pooled funds were only used to relieve the needs of Christian widows.