Acts 6:1

“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, etc.] From an hundred and twenty to three thousand more, from thence to five thousand more, and after that a multitude of men and women were added, and still they were increasing; (see <440115>Acts 1:15) (<440241>Acts 2:41 4:4 5:14). This increase of the disciples agrees with what Maimonides says f239, before observed, that “in the days of Gamaliel, µynym wbr, “the heretics were multiplied in Israel”.” The word “disciples” was a common name to all Christians, to all that believed in Christ, and was the name they went by, before they were called Christians, (<441126>Acts 11:26) there arose a murmuring of the Grecians, or…”

“FIRST ELECTION OF DEACONS. (Act 6:1-7) the Grecians--the Greek-speaking Jews, mostly born in the provinces. the Hebrews--those Jews born in Palestine who used their native tongue, and were wont to look down on the "Grecians" as an inferior class. were neglected--"overlooked" by those whom the apostles employed, and who were probably of the Hebrew class, as being the most numerous. The complaint was in all likelihood well founded, though we cannot suspect the distributors of intentional partiality. "It was really just an emulation of love, each party wishing to have their own poor taken care of in the best manner" [OLSHAUSEN]. the daily ministration--the daily distribution of alms or of food,…”

“In those days ... - The first part of this chapter contains an account of the appointment of “deacons.” It may be asked, perhaps, why the apostles did not appoint these officers at the first organization of the church? To this, question we may reply, that it was better to defer the appointment until an occasion should occur when it would appear to be manifestly necessary and proper. When the church was small, its alms could be distributed by the apostles themselves without difficulty But when it was greatly increased when its charities were multiplied; and when the distribution might give rise to contentions, it was necessary that this matter should be entrusted to the hands of “laymen,” and…”

“There arose a murmuring - Here was the first breach made on those who were before of one heart and of one soul. Partiality crept in unawares on some; and murmuring on others. Ah Lord! how short a time did pure, genuine, undefiled Christianity remain in the world! O the depth! How unsearchable are thy counsels! Marvellous are thy ways, O King of saints! The Hellenists were Jews born out of Palestine. They were so called, because they used the Greek as their in other tongue. In this partiality of the Hebrews, and murmuring of the Hellenists, were the needs of a general persecution sown. Did God ever, in any age or country, withdraw his restraining providence, and let loose the world upon the…”

“6:1 The Greek-speaking believers were Jewish Christians who had lived elsewhere in the Greco-Roman world and probably observed some Greek customs. The Hebrew-speaking believers were more traditional Jews, native to Palestine, who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic and refrained from Greek customs. • their widows were being discriminated against: This injustice threatened the growth and development of the church with rumblings of discontent and had to be addressed.”

“when: Act 6:7, Act 2:41, Act 2:47, Act 4:4, Act 5:14, Act 5:28; Psa 72:16, Psa 110:3; Isa 27:6; Jer 30:19 there: Co1 10:10; Heb 13:1; Jam 4:5, Jam 5:9 Grecians: Act 9:29, Act 11:20 Hebrews: Co2 11:22; Phi 3:5 their: Act 9:39, Act 9:41; Deu 24:19-21, Deu 26:12; Job 29:13, Job 31:16; Isa 1:17; Eze 22:7; Mal 3:5; Mat 23:14; Ti1 5:4, Ti1 5:5, Ti1 5:9; Jam 1:27 the daily: Act 2:45, Act 4:35 Acts 6:2”