What is the context?
The growing community faces a problem within its own life. Greek-speaking Jewish believers complain that their widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The contrast is with the Hebraic Jews. Thayer’s entry for Hellenist explains the term in relation to Greek-speaking Jews, including those who have become followers of Jesus.
The Twelve gather the disciples and propose appointing seven men of proven character, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to take responsibility. They intend to continue devoting themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The response provides care for the widows while protecting the work the apostles have been entrusted to do.
The Greek noun διακονία, diakonia (dee-ah-koh-NEE-ah), means service or ministry. Thayer’s lexicon identifies it both with the distribution in verse 1 and with the ministry of the word in verse 4. The work differs, but both are described as service.
The group chooses the Seven and presents them to the apostles, who pray and lay hands on them. Luke then reports continuing growth, including many priests coming to faith. The account does not identify which person caused the earlier neglect or say that caring for widows can be left undone.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly see the Seven as an important beginning or pattern for recognized service in the church. Calvin on verses 3 and 6 understands the appointment in connection with deacons caring for the poor; Wesley on verses 2–4 also emphasizes that care and the spiritual qualities needed for it. Churches develop the office differently.
The Catholic Church’s Catechism, paragraphs 1569–1571, describes deacons as ordained for ministry rather than priesthood, serving in connection with the bishop. Their work includes worship, proclaiming the gospel and charity, within the church’s ordered leadership.
The Reformed Orthodox Presbyterian Church’s Form of Government, chapter XI, describes a distinct ministry of mercy and care for people in need, carried out under the supervision of the congregation’s council of elders. The 1689 Baptist Confession, chapter 26, paragraphs 8–10, names elders and deacons as the church’s officers and appeals directly to Acts 6 in describing the church’s choice and the setting apart of deacons through prayer and laying on of hands.
The narrative itself describes the work and the appointment without using the noun deacon as a title for the Seven. Its account of Stephen in the following verses also shows that a person chosen for this responsibility can be active in speaking God’s word.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Care for the overlooked fits the character of the God described in Deuteronomy 10:17–19: He shows no partiality and cares for widows, the fatherless and foreigners. The dispute here is not solved by ignoring one group’s need; the community makes provision for that need.
1 Corinthians 12:4–7 later describes different gifts and ministries from the same Spirit and Lord, given for the common good. Acts shows differing responsibilities serving that shared purpose. Prayer, teaching and practical care need people fitted to do them faithfully.
What is our position?
Who Shepherds the Church? directly uses Acts 6:1–6 to describe deacon service as different in kind, rather than a lower rung in a ladder of spiritual rank. The study understands recognized leadership through its responsibilities for people. Here the practical need receives capable, spiritually qualified servants, while the apostles continue in prayer and the ministry of the word.