Growing Pains

Acts 6:1–7 describes a moment in the early Christian church when growth led to tension. Greek-speaking Jewish believers (the Hellenists) complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

The apostles, including Peter the Apostle, recognized the issue but decided their primary role was prayer and teaching the word. So they asked the community to choose seven trustworthy, Spirit-filled men to handle this responsibility. Among those chosen was Stephen.

The apostles prayed and laid hands on these men, officially appointing them to serve. As a result, the conflict was resolved, the church remained unified, and the message of Christianity continued to spread rapidly.