In Acts 6, the early church faced a challenge that revealed both the beauty and complexity of community life. As the number of disciples grew, so did the needs within the community. The Hellenist widows—a marginalized group—were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food meant to care for them. The apostles, focused on teaching and prayer, recognized the problem but knew they couldn’t manage everything on their own. Their response was direct: “It’s not right for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.”
They called on the community of believers to select “seven people of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” to take on this responsibility. These seven individuals were chosen to serve the tables and care for the people. Their ministry of service enabled the apostles to stay devoted to prayer and teaching, ensuring that both the practical and spiritual needs of the community were met. As everyone stepped into their unique roles, “the word of God continued to spread,” and the number of Jesus-followers increased.
Fast forward to A.D. 192. Tertullian, an influential theologian, wrote, “The heathen often exclaimed in wonder, ‘See how these Christians love each other.’” Around the same time, Lucian, who was not a follower of Jesus, observed, “It is incredible to see the fervor with which the people of that religion help each other in their wants. They spare nothing. Their first legislator (Jesus Christ) has put it into their heads that they are all brethren.”
These reflections echo something Jesus said almost two centuries earlier: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Caring for one another—especially those who need encouragement the most—is not only God’s expectation for every member of the Body of Christ, but it’s also a powerful witness to the world… “See how these Christians love each other.”
