BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: JEWS 2
Biblical Critique: Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews
As the church began to see growth in Acts 6: 1-7, it also started to see problems, as the
first crisis began to infect the Christian community. The Hellenistic Jews felt as though their
widows were not receiving the same treatment as the traditional Jews, the Hebrews. The concern
that there was an unfair portion of food distribution had them bring their concerns to the
disciples’ attention. Becoming aware of the Hellenistic Jews' problems, the disciples understood
the importance and according to God's word: "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God
and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by
the world" (New American Standard Version, 1960/2020, James 1:27). However, the disciples
calling remained the priority: delivering the word of God. Therefore, the disciples determined
that those in the body would select seven faithful men of good reputation to carry out the duties
of food delivery. This Bible critique will reveal how discrimination, professionalism, and
prioritization are still common themes that impact our current world and personal lives and how
conflict often reaches a resolution.
Fact Verses
1.Disciples were increasing in number. Acts 6:1
2.Hellenistic Jews files complaint against
native Hebrews.
Acts 6:1
3.Widows (Hellenistic) being overlooked in
daily food servings by Hebrews.
Acts 6:1
4.The twelve were summoned. Acts 6:2
5.The twelve believed their priority was to
carry out God’s word not to watch over food
Acts 6:2
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distribution.
6.Seven men were going to be selected to
watch over the food distribution
Acts 6:3
7.These men were to be of good character Acts 6:3
8.The men should have the full Spirit of
Wisdom.
Acts 6:3
9. The Apostles continue to devote
themselves to the calling of prayer and
preaching the word.
Acts 6:4
10.The congregation approved of the
announcement.
Acts 6:5
11. Stephen, Phillip, Prochorus, Nicanor,
Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas were chosen.
Acts 6:5
12. Brought before the apostles and hands
were laid on them.
Acts 6:6
13.The word of God kept spreading Acts. 6:7
14. Disciples continued to increase Acts 6:7
15.Many priests were obedient to faith. Acts 6:7
Reflect
What do you see in the passage that relates
to God’s character, man’s character, or
Jesus?
Verses
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God’s character Caring for the vulnerable
Gives the increase.
Raises up leaders.
Equips/prepares individuals.
Cares to reach all people.
Acts 6:1
Acts 6:1
Acts 6:3
Acts 6:6
Acts 6:7
Man’s character Integrity: Have it or not have it
*Complain or tell when something is
wrong.
*Compassion for others when injustice
takes place.
*Wisdom: how to resolve a problem.
*Delegate assignments.
Community oriented.
Collaborate with others.
Empower others and lift them up.
Grow and unite others.
Acts 6:1
Acts 6:2
Acts 6:2
Acts 6:3
Acts 6:4
Acts 6:5
Acts 6:5
Acts 6:6
Acts 6:7
Jesus The compassions of those who were
vulnerable.
Jesus gave responsibilities to his disciples
(delegation).
Spreading the Kingdom of God (Jesus
Acts 6:1
Acts 6:3
Acts 6:7
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Commissioned to God and share the good
news and make disciples).
Respond
This scripture passage highlights what has become a high-priority topic today: injustice
through discrimination and advocacy. The Hellenistic Jews found an injustice of discrimination
within what was taking place among the widows in their community: an unequal distribution of
food. Injustice using discrimination is not uncommon that today. Some people still experience
injustice in various ways based on fair treatment andIthe distribution of the advantages and
disadvantages of opportunities in society. Through these injustices, there has been a rise in
advocacy groups, which manifest in various forms. Barsky (2017) identifies the three levels of
practice: individual, administrative, or policy, which advocacy can focus on to deal with a single,
concrete conflict. In the passage of Acts, the Hellenistic Jews advocated the disciples for the
injustice that was taking place for the widows, which is a foundational example of what many
times takes place in modern society. Injustices arise when the perspective taken is outside of how
God looks at His creation: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither enslaved person nor
free, there isIneither male nor female; forIyou are all one inIChrist Jesus (New American
Standard Version, 1960/2020, Galatians 3:28). Honor is not brought to God when there is
separation and injustice among His people, disciples of Jesus are known by the love they have
for one another (New American Standard Version, 1960/2020, John 13:35). Furthermore, in
society it is important to look at those and minister to the least of them for it is as doing it to the
Lord, therefore injustice in the world will continue as long as people are away from the Lord
(New American Standard Version, 1960/2020, Matthew 25:40).
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Advocacy is vital in society when the advocating has the right intent behind it. The
Hellenistic Jew sought out those leaders who were able to have an impact on the ongoing
situation, those who were able to provide guidance and intervene. When the church decides to
involve itself with advocacy in society today when addressing various injustices, it can fall into
performative activism if it fails to be in prayer and acts on emotions and feelingsI(Park, 2020).
The disciples were still in prayer, and their principles as leaders moved them to put a leadership
team of men in faith and full of the Spirit to oversee the community's needs to resolve the
conflict.I
One of the most challenging parts of my position is that I have many responsibilities, and
many people come to me with multiple requests. I can relate to the disciples in that I would like
to fulfill all the requests I get, but I am unable to at times. Teachers are powerful advocates for
both themselves and their students; their requests are often always the most urgent, and the
ability to meet their needs is only sometimes possible. God has designed everything within
limits, and identifying those limits has not always been something I have been able to do in my
role as a vice principalI(Tripp, 2020). Over the last several months, I have learned to use the
leadership team to help delegate some of the other responsibilities to ensure that like the
disciples in Acts to maintain the priority of my responsibilities: student discipline and school
safety.
This passage demonstrates how to resolve conflict by utilizing attentive listening and
utilizing others to help assume leadership responsibilities. Addressing injustices is a significant
concern for many, and putting measures in place to help ensure they no longer occur can begin
the restoration process. The disciples provide a blueprint on how to acknowledge the people's
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: JEWS 7
concerns and, at the same time, address them through the implementation of utilizing other
qualified leaders. This passage helps demonstrate the importance of attentive listening,
collaboration, and using other leaders to handle different responsibilities without compromising
one's responsibilities.I
Conclusion
Acts 6:1-7 is a firm reminder that injustice, such as discrimination, finds its way into the
world and even the Christian community. It is an excellent responsibility of believers to advocate
for those who unfortunately receive injustice; however, do it through the guidance of God's
word. The scripture is clear that vengeance is not ours but the Lord:
“LORD, God ofI[a]vengeance,
God ofI[b]vengeance,I[c]shine forth!
2Rise up,IJudge of the earth,
Pay back retributionIto the proud.
3How long,ILORD, shall the wicked—
How long shall theIwicked triumph?
4They pour outIwords, theyIspeak arrogantly;
All who do injusticeIboast.
5TheyIcrush Your people,ILORD,
AndIafflict Your inheritance.
6TheyIkill the widow and the stranger
And murder the orphans.
7They have said, “[d]TheILORDIdoes not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob perceive (New American Standard Version,
1960/2020, PSALM 93:1-7).”
There are times when the priority will be to address the need at hand, and there are times when
the professional responsibility will be to continue carrying out the priority God has set and to
ensure those whoIcomeIinIneedIofIhelpIare tendedIto.
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References
Barsky, A. E. (2017). Conflict resolution for the helping professions: Negotiation, mediation,
advocacy, facilitation, and restorative justice (Third ed.). Oxford University Press.
New American Standard Bible. (2020). New American Standard Bible Online.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%204&version=NASB
(Original work published 1960).
