Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Sunday, June 9, 2013 Read – Acts 6:1-15 As we return to the book of Acts we may be wondering at this point how much time has passed since the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus? The way in which Luke begins this story suggests that we have moved on some distance from what comes before it – “Now during those days …” (Acts 6:1). Of course we are not fully able to discern the amount of time that has passed – and the next marker that we can turn to is the experience of Saul/Paul which likely took place at least two years later. And then matters will jump considerably forward. It is somewhat remarkable that Luke has told us so much – and yet he has told us so few episodes. Earlier in the book of Acts, Luke has told his readers that the first followers held all things in common and that they provided for the needs of all – with no one being in want (Acts 2:43-47 and Acts 4:32-37). This story unveils tension within the growing flock of followers. In order for us to understand the situation correctly we need to know who the Hebrews and the Hellenists were. First of all it is crucial to note that both were Jewish people. So far in Luke’s story every follower of Jesus is a Jew. The Hebrews were those who had lived their life within the boundaries of Israel and likely spoke Aramaic as their first language. The Hellenists were also Jews who had lived in other countries and likely spoke Greek as their first language. Some of these people, as we will hear, may well have been gentiles but they have all become Jews. Proselytes are gentiles who have become observant Jewish, been circumcised if they are male, and live now as fully Jewish people. The issue that arises in the community is that the Hellenists are complaining because their widows are being neglected. Favoritism seems to be favoring the Hebrew widows. One of the tenants of Judaism was that the care of widows, orphans, and aliens was expected. Many of these people had little or no means of providing anything for themselves much less for the common good. At any rate tensions arise. The twelve solve the issue by calling the whole group together. They make a wise decision. If they try to do everything they will fail – in fact the mission of proclaiming the gospel will fail, the word of God will be neglected. So an arrangement for expanding the leadership of the community takes place. Since the Hellenists were having the problem, seven Hellenist men are appointed to correct the situation. While it is probably quite a stretch to see this occurrence as a kind of “ordination” into ministry – it is at least a forerunner of what the church would later put into practice. At any rate the problem is resolved. And Luke does not miss an opportunity to tell his readers that the “number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem” (Acts 6:7). In fact, many priests became believers (Acts 6:7). It has been estimated that it required about 8,000 priests to fully operate the Temple over the course of a year – they did not all stay there at once but took turns as the story of Zechariah illustrates (Luke 1:5-25). It is likely these priests that Luke is referring to and not the aristocracy which included the High Priest. As the story unfolds the attention is directed to Stephen – he was named first and already highlighted in that way (Acts 6:5). Stephen not only helped with the distribution of food – he also began to proclaim the gospel. And according to Luke he was quite skillful at it – of course Luke reminds his readers that it was the Spirit who spoke through him. Like Peter and John before him Stephen is soon in the midst of trouble – opposition arises. The leaders of the opposition were likely also Hellenist Jews, but they did not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. What is described is a conflict within Judaism. The accusations against Stephen are interesting. Stephen is accused of attempting to destroy the Temple and speaking words of blasphemy against Moses – likely meaning against the Law (Torah). Earlier, when Jesus was being accused before the high priest and the Sanhedrin during his trial, in Mark’s gospel the chief accusation against Jesus was that he had claimed that he would destroy the Temple made with hands and in three days build another (Mark 14:58). Interestingly, Luke omits all of that in the trial of Jesus. It is never mentioned in Luke’s gospel! The accusation shows up here. This is another of the clear pieces of evidence that Luke wrote his gospel and the book of Acts as one book. He can afford to omit things because he knows he will pick them up later! So, what in Mark is the main piece of evidence provided by false witness against Jesus becomes the source of evidence against Stephen. And so it is Stephen’s turn to be on trial.