Acts 6

When the Spirit leads, unity isn’t just possible—it’s beautiful.

Acts 6 reveals how the early church wisely navigated internal tensions between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jewish believers. The issue wasn’t doctrinal—it was logistical. Hellenist widows were being overlooked in daily food distributions, perhaps due to cultural or linguistic disconnects. Rather than dismiss the complaint or overextend themselves, the apostles modeled Spirit-led delegation. They recognized their own calling to remain focused on the ministry of the Word and prayer and empowered the community to choose seven Spirit-filled, wise men to oversee the distribution.

Strikingly, all seven chosen had Greek names—likely diasporic Jews, chosen specifically to resolve the language barrier and restore unity. Stephen, one of the Seven, is highlighted not only for his administrative role but also for his miraculous ministry and unshakable wisdom. When opposition arose and false accusations swirled, Stephen’s countenance radiated with the peace and authority of heaven—his face like that of an angel. This chapter invites us to consider the power of spiritual wisdom, unity in diversity, and the beauty of staying rooted in our God-given purpose while trusting the Spirit to empower others for theirs.

Journal Entry | In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I call you into fellowship with Me as one body, made up of many members, each with a part to play. When a need arises, I do not stir division but draw you into deeper interdependence. I give wisdom to those who ask in faith, without doubting, and I fill with grace those who are willing to serve with My power. Just as I led the early church to select men full of faith and the Spirit, I lead you to discern with clarity who is entrusted with which task, so that the Word may not be neglected and the needs of the vulnerable not overlooked.

I fill you for both Word and deed. I pour out grace for the ministry of mercy, and I clothe you with power for the defense of truth. Do not be surprised when My wisdom provokes the world’s resistance. The opposition you face is not against you but against Me. I will give you words your adversaries cannot resist, and your face will reflect My glory when you abide in Me.

The unity of My people is not uniformity. It is Spirit-born harmony—each culture, tongue, and gifting working together under one Head, Christ. I call you as the elect—not as individuals chosen apart from others—but as My called-out people, chosen together in Christ for the purpose of proclaiming My excellencies. You are My witnesses, filled with My Spirit, radiant with My presence, set apart for My purposes.

—Acts 6:1–15, James 1:5–6, Luke 21:15, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 12:4–6

Real-Life Analogy

Have you ever been in a group project at work or school where one person seems to do all the talking, all the planning, and all the execution? Maybe they’re competent, but eventually the imbalance leads to frustration and disengagement. But when the team is functioning well—when the right people are entrusted with the right tasks based on their skills—everything changes. A quiet team member who speaks another language steps in to handle communication with an overlooked client. Another person, who rarely speaks up, is entrusted with organizing the timeline, and the whole group begins to thrive. That’s a glimpse of what was happening in Acts 6—Spirit-led collaboration, where everyone’s background was valued and included for the good of the body.

Prayer

Father, I trust You to lead Your church with clarity and grace. Thank You for the wisdom to stay rooted in the calling You’ve placed on my life, and for the courage to entrust others to theirs. You are not a God of chaos or imbalance. You see every widow, every need, every overlooked soul—and You mobilize Your people, full of Your Spirit, to meet those needs in love and unity. I rejoice that Your calling is not a burden but a gift, and that we walk it out not alone, but as one body, under one Head—Christ. And when the world resists, I rest in the radiance of Your presence, knowing You are the One speaking through me, working through me, and living in me.

Credit:
Devotional insights adapted from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, published by Zondervan.
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