Previously, we saw the church facing opposition from religious enemies who commanded the apostles not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus. Yet the church remained victorious because they chose to obey God rather than men. As long as the church remains on earth, there will always be problems—both from outside and from within.
In Acts 6, we see an internal problem arise in the early church. There was a daily distribution of food for the poor and needy, especially for widows. Among the Jewish believers, there were native Hebrews who spoke Aramaic or Hebrew, and there were Greek-speaking Jews from other nations, many from Asia Minor. These Greek-speaking widows were being neglected in the daily distribution, while the Hebrew-speaking widows were receiving favoritism.
The Word of God clearly says they were neglected. This likely involved discrimination based on language and culture. Even in the early church, human weakness and partiality could appear. But the apostles handled the matter with wisdom and godliness.
The apostles understood that their primary calling was the ministry of the Word of God and prayer. In the same way, pastors today must give themselves to prayer and the faithful preaching and teaching of Scripture. A pastor cannot do everything alone. Others in the church must help care for practical needs such as assisting the poor, the sick, the widows, and the needy.
Notice the wisdom of the apostles in solving this issue. They instructed the church to appoint seven men who were:
of good reputation
full of the Holy Spirit
full of wisdom
These were not worldly qualifications such as education, popularity, wealth, or social status. God’s standard for ministry is very different from the world’s standard.
First, they needed men of good reputation—men known for honesty, integrity, and godly conduct. Their neighbors and fellow believers respected them because their lives matched their profession of faith.
Second, they needed men full of the Holy Spirit. Not merely church attenders, but truly born-again believers who walked closely with God. These were men of prayer, men who loved the Lord, men whose speech was filled with spiritual things, and whose lives reflected Christ.
Third, they needed men full of wisdom—men able to judge rightly, to discern right from wrong, and to handle difficult situations with godly understanding.
Now notice something remarkable: whom did they appoint? Did they choose Aramaic-speaking Hebrew men to solve the complaint of the Greek-speaking widows? No—they appointed Greek-speaking men. This was great wisdom. Looking at their names, we see they were all Greek names.
This showed fairness, humility, and practical wisdom. The apostles did not protect cultural pride; they sought peace, justice, and the glory of God.
Verse 7 gives us the result:
“Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
When the church handled the problem biblically, growth followed. These appointed men not only cared for physical needs but also ministered spiritually. Their witness matched their lifestyle. Even many priests became believers because they saw true religion—not hypocrisy, but genuine Christianity in action.
God deeply cares for the poor and needy, and the Bible is filled with commands and promises concerning them.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.”
“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life…”
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
“He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.”
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”
“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing…”
True fasting includes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping the oppressed, and spending ourselves on behalf of those in need.
The sin of Sodom included arrogance, excess, and neglect of the poor and needy.
“What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jesus teaches that neglecting “the least of these” is neglecting Him.
“When you give a banquet, invite the poor…”
“Pure religion… is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”
“Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. It was an urgent need, and he did not pass by on the other side. We also must not turn away when we see genuine need before us.
Today many hearts have become cold and hardened because of sin. Compassion is disappearing. Parents often place children in front of television and worldly entertainment, filling their minds with ungodliness instead of truth. Children grow up lacking respect, manners, and fear of God. One day parents will give an account to God, and children who have heard the Word of God will also be accountable.
How should we help the poor and needy today?
From my experience as a missionary and pastor, there is a fine line. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Some people are poor because of laziness. Giving money to lazy people without wisdom can make them more dependent and unwilling to work.
Others misuse money for drinking, gambling, and sinful living. Yes, even among the poor, this happens.
But there are also those who are genuinely poor—people in true need who deeply appreciate help and use it wisely.
We must learn discernment. Christian compassion must be joined with biblical wisdom.
Today, the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches have made many people cold toward the poor. Some who were once poor themselves become rich and then forget the poor completely. Greed, selfishness, and covetousness take over. They build their own kingdoms on earth and neglect those in need.
But Scripture says:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
When you visit the sick, the poor, and the needy, you often return home realizing that your own hardships are small compared to theirs.
Many people sacrifice time for church activities but have no love for the poor. Yet God says:
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Jesus said:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Charles Spurgeon once said:
“I never knew a man who refused to help the poor who failed to give at least one admirable excuse.”
Everyone has an excuse.
But remember our Lord Jesus Christ was unselfish. He gave His life. He forgave His enemies. He came to save others.
Those who follow Christ are called Christians—Christ-like people. We are called to follow His example.
May we not merely speak about compassion, but live it.
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