Acts 6:1
What does Acts 6:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 6:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 6:1 means
As the early Christian community expanded rapidly, a practical challenge arose concerning the equitable distribution of resources. The Grecian Jews, who were Greek-speaking Jews from outside Judea, felt that their widows were being overlooked in the daily provisions compared to the Hebrew widows, who were native Aramaic-speaking Jews. This complaint highlights the logistical difficulties of caring for a growing population and the potential for division even within a unified faith, emphasizing the need for organized care and attention to practical needs.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was increasing, protests were made by the Greek Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were not taken care of in the distribution of food every day.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And in these days, the disciples multiplying, there came a murmuring of the Hellenists at the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily ministration,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But in those days, the disciples multiplying in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were overlooked in the daily ministration.
Context
This verse introduces the central problem that the early church faces in this chapter: a specific complaint from within the community. It sets the stage for the apostles' response and the establishment of a new administrative role. This internal tension paves the way for a solution that will strengthen the church's structure and ministry, demonstrating how the church matured to meet its challenges.
v.1This passage
v.2And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 13:1
Let love of the brethren continue.
- Job 31:16
If I have withheld the poor fromtheirdesire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
- James 4:5
Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?
- Acts 9:39
And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
- Acts 5:28
saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
- 1 Timothy 5:4
But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
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