ESOCS Devotional 25 June 2025 – Internal Conflict Mechanism
MEMORY VERSE: “There arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.” Acts 6:1
TEXT: ACTS 6:1-END
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit 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.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak [c]blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
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Things were moving along just fine. The Church was booming in those early days. There were too many disciples to count, and they were still increasing. Everything was going great; they were serving one another by selling their property and laying the money at the apostles’ feet. That money was being distributed so that no one had any need. But now we read about a group of widows who were being neglected.
These women were Hellenists, meaning that they were Greek-speaking Jews. There would be some level of prejudice between the Hebrews and the Hellenists. Not as much as the Samaritans, but there would be some. To be a Hellenist means that they have intermingled with the culture around them on some level. But these were believers in Christ, and they were widows! Is the perfect harmony and love going to be destroyed by this? Notice that they didn’t overreact and decide to leave the Church. They didn’t make their own denomination or swap churches. They also didn’t allow the widows to be neglected and kept silent about it, letting it fester. They spoke up and let the problem be known to the leaders. They didn’t grumble among themselves like the Israelites.
The twelve apostles respond to this complaint by gathering all the people together and having a meeting. This would mean gathering thousands of people in one place. Can you imagine how difficult that would be? The disciples did not brush off this issue. They didn’t ignore it or overlook it. Instead, they addressed it promptly because they knew God wanted the widows to be cared for.
But look at how they addressed it. They said it was not suitable for them to take on the role of distribution. Isn’t that odd? Aren’t they just pushing off their responsibility on other people? They could do it, but they would give up their current role of preaching the word of God. They believed every part should do its share. So, they recommended that the whole congregation select seven men with good reputation to serve in the distribution to the needy widows. The apostles would appoint these men to their duty. Their mission was to spend much time praying, studying, and teaching. That is their role, and they stayed in their lane.
Have you ever decided what you want God to tell you to do? We may pray, “God, tell me what you want,” but already have our minds made up. We may even try to give God advice and ask Him to ratify our own plans rather than listening for His plans.
CHALLENGES
- In the body of Christ, there should be no segregation, for all are one in Christ.
PRAYER POINT
- Father give us conflict mechanism formula in all issues of life, amen.
FURTHER READING: Ezekiel 1:1-End; 2:1-End; John 9:24-41
ESOCS Devotional 25 June 2025
