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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 6:1 - 6:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
When the number of the disciples was multiplying (plēthunontōn tōn mathētōn). Genitive absolute of plēthunō, old verb from plēthos, fulness, to increase. The new freedom from the intercession of Gamaliel was bearing rich fruit.
A murmuring of the Grecian Jews (goggusmos tōn Hellēnistōn). Late onomatopoetic word (lxx) from the late verb gogguzō, to mutter, to murmur. The substantive occurs also in Joh 7:12; Phi 2:14; 1Pe 4:9. It is the secret grumblings that buzz away till they are heard. These “Grecian Jews” or Hellenists are members of the church in Jerusalem who are Jews from outside of Palestine like Barnabas from Cyprus. These Hellenists had points of contact with the Gentile world without having gone over to the habits of the Gentiles, the Jews of the Western Dispersion. They spoke Greek.
Against the Hebrews (pros tous Ebraious). The Jewish Christians from Jerusalem and Palestine. The Aramaean Jews of the Eastern Dispersion are usually classed with the Hebrew (speaking Aramaic) as distinct from the Grecian Jews or Hellenists.
Were neglected (paretheōrounto). Imperfect passive of paratheōreō, old verb, to examine things placed beside (para) each other, to look beyond (para also), to overlook, to neglect. Here only in the N.T. These widows may receive daily (kathēmerinēi, late adjective from kath' hēmeran, only here in the N.T.) help from the common fund provided for all who need it (Act 4:32-37). The temple funds for widows were probably not available for those who have now become Christians. Though they were all Christians here concerned, yet the same line of cleavage existed as among the other Jews (Hebrew or Aramaean Jews and Hellenists). It is not here said that the murmuring arose among the widows, but because of them. Women and money occasion the first serious disturbance in the church life. There was evident sensitiveness that called for wisdom.