The choice of the Seven in Acts 6.1-7 is an important stage in the history of the early Church. This passage reveals both the remarkable growth of the Christian community, the difficulties it encounters, and the wisdom with which the apostles respond to this first internal crisis.
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A crisis caused by the growth of the Church
The rapid multiplication of the disciples leads to the appearance of tensions:
“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying…” (Acts 6.1).
The problem concerns the daily assistance given to the widows. The Hellenistic Jews complain that their widows are being neglected in favor of those of the Hebrews. This was most likely not deliberate discrimination, but rather a difficulty of organization caused by the rapid growth of the community.
This crisis is remarkable, because it comes neither from the nor from the Roman authorities, but from within the Church itself.
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Two cultural groups within the Church
The Hebrews were Jews of Palestine who spoke mainly Aramaic and were attached to local traditions.
The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews, coming from the Diaspora or influenced by Greek culture. They shared the same faith but had a different culture.
The conflict is therefore more cultural and linguistic than doctrinal.
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The wisdom of the apostles
The Twelve refuse to abandon their main mission:
“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables” (Acts 6.2).
This statement expresses no contempt for material tasks. The Greek verb diakonein (“to serve”) is used to designate a genuine ministry.
The apostles simply recognize that each one must carry out the service to which God calls him.
They declare:
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6.4).
Prayer even comes before preaching, underscoring its importance in the apostolic ministry.
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The choice belongs to the Church
The apostles do not appoint the Seven themselves.
They ask the assembly:
“Seek out from among you seven men” (Acts 6.3).
We thus observe cooperation between the spiritual leaders and the whole community.
The apostles set the criteria; the Church chooses; the apostles confirm this decision by prayer and the laying on of hands (Acts 6.6).
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The required qualities
The Seven had to be:
- of good reputation;
- full of the Holy Spirit;
- full of wisdom (Acts 6.3).
It is remarkable that spiritual qualities are emphasized more than administrative skills. The management of aid to the poor is regarded as a spiritual ministry.
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Why seven men?
The number seven frequently appears in Jewish tradition as a symbol of fullness. Several Jewish towns had councils of seven members in charge of local affairs. It is possible that the apostles drew inspiration from this practice, although Luke gives no explanation for it.
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All Greek names
The seven men chosen are:
- Stephen;
- Philip;
- Prochorus;
- Nicanor;
- Timon;
- Parmenas;
- Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch (Acts 6.5).
Their names are all Greek. Many scholars conclude from this that they themselves belonged to the group of the Hellenists. Thus, the Hebrews accept that men from the group that felt wronged should take charge of this responsibility. This testifies to a remarkable mutual trust and a concern for unity.
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Were they the first deacons?
The word “deacon” (diakonos) never appears in the account. This is why it is wiser to speak of “the Seven.”
However, the vocabulary of service (diakonia) used in Acts 6.1-4, together with the later development of ministries in the Church (Philippians 1.1; 1 Timothy 3.8-13), led the Christian tradition very early on to see in these men the forerunners of the diaconate.
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More than mere administrators
Stephen and Philip are not limited to material tasks. Stephen becomes a powerful preacher and the first Christian martyr (Acts 6.8-15; Acts 7.54-60). Philip evangelizes Samaria and baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8.5-40).
Their ministry therefore goes far beyond the simple distribution of relief.
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The results
The crisis is resolved without division.
Luke concludes:
“Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6.7).
Thus, far from hindering the work of God, this first internal crisis contributed to a better organization of the Church and fostered a new phase of growth.
Conclusion
The choice of the Seven shows that the early Church was neither perfect nor free from difficulties. However, under the leadership of the apostles, the problems were addressed with wisdom, in a spirit of unity and prayer. This passage also reveals that the growth of the Church required an adaptation of its structures and a distribution of responsibilities, without neglecting the priority of the ministry of the Word and of prayer.