By Earle Roberts
As the days grew into weeks, the Christian community grew in numbers, and became more complex. Many had lived in Judea and Galilee speaking a derivative of Hebrew called Aramaic. There were other Jews who had lived in areas speaking Greek and who were now in or near Jerusalem. The community of believers included folk from both groups. Diversity often presents problems. The Greek-speakers felt their needy were not served as well as the Aramaic-speaking needy.
The 12 apostles recognized the need for some organization. They called for the believers to choose seven men “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” to be appointed to oversee the serving of the needy members. They gladly did so. The seven they chose had Greek names, presumably from the Hellenists, and one of them was a Gentile convert to Judaism and Christian faith.
The word of God spread, the number of disciples increased greatly, and even many priests believed.
One the seven, Stephen, did more than distribute food to the widows; he did “great wonders and signs among the people.” He also engaged in discussions in one of the synagogues, where he argued with some Jews from North Africa and some from Asia Minor. The arguments apparently concerned the law of Moses and the Temple. While Stephen was always the stronger, his opponents stirred up false witnesses against him. By this tactic, Stephen was brought before the council, charged with speaking against the Temple and against the Mosaic law (Torah).
The members of the council saw that his face “was like the face of an angel.”
- Conflict within the community of believers grew from perceived discrimination, preferential treatment for one group over another. What sort of different groups do you encounter in the church today?
- Another source of conflict is different theological positions, or different patterns of living faithfully. Do you encounter these now? Even in your congregation?
- What other details do you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: Keep us alert and sensitive to tensions within the church and challenges without, O God. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit. Amen.
