11/05/2025 - Matthew Destry

PASSAGE: Acts 6:1–7

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers and sisters, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Verse 1 – “In those days… the number of disciples was increasing…”

• The Greek word for “increasing” is πληθύνειν (plēthynein)

“…the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews…”

“…their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.”

• Overlooked (παρεθεωροῦντο – paretheōrounto) implies passive neglect, not intentional malice.

Verse 3 – “Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”

• Not just capable. Not just willing. But Spirit-filled and wise.

Verse 5 – “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…”

Verse 6 – “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”

• Laying on of hands wasn’t just about blessing—it was about recognition, release, and commissioning.

Verse 7 – “So the word of God spread… and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

• The outcome of Spirit-led compassion isn’t just care—it’s multiplication and credibility.

Why didn’t women get picked to serve on the tables?

1. Cultural Norms of Public Authority
2. Specific Call to “Table” Management
3. Continuity with Apostolic Witness
4. Physical and Legal Constraints
5. Functional, Not Ontological, Reason

1. Overlooked, but Not Forgotten
2. The Problem of Growth (More People, More Problems)
3. Hospitality as the Frontline of Compassion
4. Spirit-Led Leadership: More than Just Practical
5. Prophetic Daughters and Spirit-Empowered Women

APPLICATION:

This passage starts with overlooked women, and ends with multiplied disciples.