In Acts 6:1-7, there is a profound story which could have gone another way. The church was increasing in number, and with those numbers, obligations of the faithful increased as well.
In this community of faith, Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem were being neglected in the early church’s food distribution program. These Greek, or Hellenist, widows were a minority group within the early faith community. The Jewish widows were getting food, but they were not. They likely were being discriminated against because of their language and culture. So they take their case to the twelve apostles, who listened to their need.
The story takes an interesting turn as the twelve apostles called together all the disciples, and said that they (the apostles) needed to focus on things such as preaching, teaching, evangelizing, praying. They pass off the task of getting others to help with distributing food to the collective group.
The collective group of disciples choose seven people to handle the task, all of whom had Greek names: Stephen,Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. The apostles, as the leaders, laid hands on them, setting them aside for this task, blessing the decision of the early faith community.
So, a few observations. First, the early church community was already taking seriously the obligation to feed the hungry, a group which included Jewish folk and non-Jewish folk.
Second, this already diverse group responded with compassion instead of drawing lines as to who is worthy and unworthy of help and understanding.
Third, the leadership trusted the group of followers to respond to this need which had been presented to them. They did not order them to comply with outdated understandings of who one is supposed to help in times of need.
All of these likely heard the words of Jesus echoing in their ears, as they recalled parables, teachings, incidents which illustrated God’s mercy, love, and care for all. And so they acted out of those understandings. They extended mercy, because of their diversity and because they understood Jesus who taught that what we do to the least is what we do to Jesus.
Right now, folks who are following Jesus are being manipulated toward an understanding that only certain ones are entitled to mercy, to grace, to love. And, instead of drawing the circle wider, instead of making the table longer, instead of living out Jesus’ words, we are being instructed to draw tighter boundaries on God’s love, mercy, and grace. We are seeking to glorify ourselves and this country instead of expanding our understandings, failing to remember that to follow Jesus meant being against Caesar. To proclaim “Jesus is king” means that the Caesar is not the one to whom followers owe their allegiances.
The early church, in spite of its patriarchal leanings of authority, was smart enough to recognize that they were not possessors of all the knowledge of God and of humankind. They understood the value of community which called them to responsibility. And, instead of being defensive, they responded, trusting the faith community to expand the very work of God in their midst, to create a culture of diversity, creativity, and inclusiveness. This included access to leaders, a part in the decision making, as well as a literal place at the table.
May it always be so among all who seek to follow Jesus.
Peace Be With You. – Paul
Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church 