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1. A few quick observations from Acts 6:1-7. Some leaders might have assessed the Hellenistic Jewish complaint as a problem of food, poverty, and unfortunate circumstances alone. "Let's not make everything about race."
2. But the Apostles/disciples saw that this was a cultural problem, not just a food problem; and an institutional problem, not just a situational problem; a power (authority) problem, not just a poverty problem.
3. So, they installed a cultural-logistical-institutional solution: a new leadership role, endowed with institutional authority, filled by leaders representing and rooted in the overlooked minority group (v. 5), tasked with filling the practical need.
4. Most racial/cultural inequities in churches are embedded in ordinary institutional life. They are easily overlooked, hidden behind other practical needs; hence, many conclude "that's a 'food' problem not a race problem." Look closely. Listen to the "complaints" of minorities.
5. Evidently, according to apostolic wisdom, more Hebraic Jews who were already in the majority, would not have solved the problem. Nor did they seek "equal" representation. They opted for "overrepresentation" of the overlooked Hellenistic Jews. Let the reader understand.
6. The neglect of the minority widows began with, or was exacerbated by, the rapid growth of the church (v. 1a). The threat of marginalizing the vulnerable/minorities rises during seasons of rapid ministry growth. Cross-cultural health is best cultivated slowly.
7. The full number of the disciples (v. 2), including those from the overlooked minority group, were involved in this process of leadership selection and institutional change (v. 5), without the apostles abdicating their authority or responsibility (v. 6). Process matters.
