# Acts Chapter 6
---
## Summarrium
The Church continues to grown and as they increase in number Hellenists[^1] raise a complaint because their widows are neglected in the daily distribution. The apostles appoint seven men, laying hands upon them to attend to the daily distribution and thereby freeing the apostles to the ministry of the word.

Stephen through the spirit is undertaking great wonders among the people. Some Jewish persons rise up against him and dispute his claims about Jesus. They bring him before the elders and scribes and before the council. False witnesses are found and claim that Stephen has proclaimed that Jesus will destroy the synagogue and change customs.

## Meditatio
This passage reveals something of the administrative challenges facing the early church. Despite sharing with each according to his need there are those who are missed. This troubles the community and there is a need to work out how to resolve this. Evidently the Apostles are devoting themselves to the ministry of the word, so there is a question to be resolved who will be appointed.

Ultimately they appoint seven men and laying hands on them in prayer. This structure it seems continues to support the growth of the body of Christ with many being added to their number in Jerusalem, including a number of priests. It is interesting here; the leadership is listening to the needs of it's members. It recognises that there is a legitimate issue and action is taken to appoint leaders who can administer justice.

The second part of this chapter is a continued reminder of the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus is not always an easy ride and indeed can cost us much of what is seemingly valuable to us. Here we observe others entering into a dispute with Stephen, a removal of his freedoms and a demolition of his reputation. Despite this Stephen remains empowered by the spirit and appears to them "*like the face of an angel*".

## Apologia
I have found it increasingly more of a challenge to find time to unpack scriptures, and for meditative practices. Whilst I have some structures in place to assist (let's call this routine) there is often significant disruption to this (let's call these children). I remain concerned but not with regards to my performance, but more with my well-being. It is interesting what will become the focus of my attention and meditative practice rather than what I would ordinarily choose to focus upon.

I do of course realise this is a season of life; young children bring complexity and challenge. Indeed there is something in riding out the chaos which has been both educational and entertaining. Nonetheless it is one thing to reason a thing another to live it out.

[^1]: Greek speaking Jewish persons.