Acts 6:1-4

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

And in those days…” A time of difficulty brought upon Jerusalem and Judaea by the LORD who ordains all things. The LORD Jesus told His disciples that there would be troublesome times leading up to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D 70 [Matthew 24:7], but nothing would stop the preaching of the Gospel to the nations, because Christ would build His church and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it [Matthew 16:18]. Through famine and persecution, the LORD God caused a great migration and exodus of people from Jerusalem, including His elect ones who are not spared the consequences of His judgments in the world. The difference is that He never leaves or abandons His chosen redeemed ones [Hebrews 13:5]. And through it all, HE accomplishes His sovereign purpose, [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]

“…there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” Some argue the law as an obligation to care for the poor and needy, [Ps. 9:18]. However, it is the grace of God alone that causes sinners to care for one another in time of need as evidenced already in Acts 2:44, 45; 4:34–37. The need for grace is all the more evidenced as there was discrimination, contrary to the grace of God who is no respecter of persons. The widows of Greek-speaking Jews were considered outsiders by native-born Jews and so were not getting their share of the food distribution.

“It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” Here we see how God brings order from disorder. He purposed the disorder to clarify how the church should function, and how leaders that HE raises up are to maintain that order [1 Corinthians 14:33]. From the disorder, the LORD established two important ministries: the ministry of the word and prayer deacons (v. 4); and the ministry of meeting people’s physical needs, such as serving at table (elders). Even though the Greek verb is diakoneo (“serve”), from which English derives the word “deacon,” the point is that the deacons were NOT to deacon tables, but rather deacon the WORD. Those who were to oversee and administer the church and maintain order were the elders. Here in Acts 6 is NOT the choosing of deacons, for that is what the disciples were called to do in ‘deaconing’ of the WORD (Christ and His doctrine). Those chosen in the subsequent verses are the first elders (overseers and superintendents). From here forward we see taught the role of the elders throughout the book of Acts and the rest of scripture [Acts 20:17, 28-31].