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.
1. Luke declareth here upon what occasion, and to what end, and also with what rite, deacons were first made. He saith, When there arose a murmuring amongst the disciples, it was appeased by this remedy, as it is said in the common proverb, Good laws have taken their beginning of evil manners.
The church multiplied into thousands while her enemies gnashed their teeth, yet growth itself became the soil where discord took root. When the Grecian widows were slighted in the daily relief, a murmuring broke out, secret but corrosive, proving that numbers do not guarantee unity. Such heart-burning among brethren, if left unhealed, will poison what persecution could not destroy.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 6:1-7
CHAPTER 6 Verse 1. In those days, etc. 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?