Acts 6:1-2 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. The Hebrews were natives of Israel and spoke Hebrew rather than Greek. The Hellenists were Jews who were natives of the Greco-Roman world and spoke Greek. The presence and power of the Spirit does not automatically guarantee that life's difficulties will go away. Often it is necessary to Christians to discuss their differences and ask God wise solutions.
Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; Church growth demands organization and delegation. Leadership in the church must be full of both the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The Holy Spirit gives us God's perspective. Wisdom is the practical side of problems solving. Many interpreters regard the seven as the first deacons, although the term does not appear in this passage.
Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Prayer and the ministry of the word must be the perpetual priority of the equipping leadership of the church (See EPH 4:11-16). This does not suggest that the ministry of benevolence is on a lower level. It is a matter of the roles that God assigns (See Romans 12:4-8).
6:1-4 Faithfulness in Prayer and Spiritual Warfare FAITH'S WARFARE. The early church learned quickly that their prayer had to be continuous because spiritual warfare is continuous. It became their first priority because Satan sought their defeat as his first priority. Thus, their earliest recorded administrative decision after Pentecost places the ministry of prayer (with the word) as highest in importance. As the church grew, circumstances required more of the apostle's time. But realizing they needed more prayer, rather than increased activity, the apostles chose seven men to serve as deacons to care for the church. This freed them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Of the two, prayer, rightfully, is listed first. Faithfulness to prayer recurs throughout Scripture. Paul would later tell the church at Rome to "be kindly affectionate to one another...continuing steadfastly in prayer" (Romans 12: 10, 12.
