Monday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 6:1
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
Commentary:
6:1 The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews from the Diaspora (“dispersed” Jews living outside Palestine). Their primary language was Greek. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had attended the Hebrew-speaking synagogues. Not as fluent in Greek, they seem to have overlooked the Hellenist widows unintentionally. Some scholars claim this verse is just the “tip of the iceberg” indicating serious theological frictions between these two groups in the Jerusalem church, and that they had major differences over observance of the OT law and the proper role of the Jerusalem temple. But the text itself indicates just the opposite, for several places show essential unity in doctrinal understanding among the apostles and those who followed them (see 15:1–35; Gal. 1:18–19; 2:1–10). Any differences in emphasis were not major, but it does appear the Hellenists were less drawn to the temple, as Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 suggests. the daily distribution. That is, of provisions for the needy.
Questions:
- In Acts 6, the church has an issue arise between two different groups of believers. While unintentional, some of the widows were being neglected when it came to distributing food and financial aid. This causes some of the people to be upset and start to murmur. This is the work of Satan. We talked a couple of weeks ago about God man, how he has added to their number daily (Acts 2), how he's multiplied the believers (Acts 4) and how he subtracted Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). One thing God NEVER does is divide... that is Satan's work, and he's trying it here. Have you ever experienced attacks from Satan that tried to divide people, be it at church, work or family?
- The word used "complained" isn't a pleasant one. It's the same word used in Exodus when the Israelites complained to Moses saying, "Why did you bring us out here to die? We'd rather go back to Egypt." It's easy to lose sight of God's overall plan and, instead, become a complainer. Do you find yourself complaining or questioning God's plan or timing?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would be aware of Satan's attacks this week.
- That you wouldn't be tempted to murmur or complain, but to trust in God.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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