Act 6:1 | NET2full | STEP | Now in those days , when the disciples were growing in number , a complaint arose on the part of the Greek-speaking Jews against the native Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food .

‏ Acts 6:1

The Appointment of the First Seven Deacons

1 Now in those ^{▼▼tn Grk “these.” The translation uses “those” for stylistic reasons.} days, when the disciples were growing in number, ^{▼▼tn Grk “were multiplying.”} a complaint arose on the part of the Greek-speaking Jews ^{▼▼tn Grk “the Hellenists,” but this descriptive term is largely unknown to the modern English reader. The translation “Greek-speaking Jews” attempts to convey something of who these were, but it was more than a matter of language spoken; it involved a degree of adoption of Greek culture as well.} ^{▼▼sn The Greek-speaking Jews were the Hellenists, Jews who to a greater or lesser extent had adopted Greek thought, customs, and lifestyle, as well as the Greek language. The city of Alexandria in Egypt was a focal point for them, but they were scattered throughout the Roman Empire.} against the native Hebraic Jews ^{▼▼tn Grk “against the Hebrews,” but as with “Hellenists” this needs further explanation for the modern reader.} because their widows ^{▼▼sn The care of widows is a major biblical theme: Deut 10:18; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 26:12-13; 27:19; Isa 1:17-23; Jer 7:6; Mal 3:5.} were being overlooked ^{▼▼tn Or “neglected.”} in the daily distribution of food. ^{▼▼tn Grk “in the daily serving.”} ^{▼▼sn The daily distribution of food. The early church saw it as a responsibility to meet the basic needs of people in their group.}