¶ … Journey Acts 6:1-7

Grasp the text in their town. Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.

This passage bears witness to the historical evolution of both Judaism and Christianity. The passage discusses the phenomenon of spreading both Judaism and Christianity throughout the Hellenic world. Greeks were converting to Judaism, either before or concurrently with their conversion to Christianity. In this passage, the Greeks felt socially, politically, and financially isolated. They also expressed a sense of social, political, and economic subordination to the Hebrews in Israel. The situation gives rise to a small but meaningful management crisis, in which seven local leaders were chosen among the Hellenic Jews. These leaders were blessed by the apostle via a laying on of hands, so that a shift would occur whereby proselytizing would become the cornerstone of Christian faith and identity. At the time of this text, Christianity was conceived of as an extension of Judaism.

Step 2: Measure the width of the river to cross. What are the differences between the biblical situation and our situation?

There are actually few differences between the Biblical situation and our situation now, with regards to Acts 6:1-7. Of course, Aramaic...

The geographic regions are still the same. Christianity remains a religion devoted to spreading the word of the gospel, as opposed to a religion concerned with "waiting on tables," (Acts 6:2). The core difference is in Church leadership, as we no longer have a core group of disciples but rather a global community of keepers of the faith. One of the biggest differences is that now, Christianity is not an extension of Judaism, but a completely distinct religion.
Step 3: Cross the Principlizing Bridge. List the theological principle(s) communicated by the passage.

The theological principles communicated by this passage remain core Christian concepts. For example, it is theologically expedient to spread the word of Christ throughout the world.

Step 4: Consult the biblical map. How does the theological principle fit with the rest of the Bible?

Spreading the gospel truth is a theological principle recurring throughout the Christian Bible. Concordances with Matthew 28:19 and Matthew 10:5-6 are apparent, as these anchor proselytizing in Christian faith and practice. However, Matthew 5:17-18 is even more telling of the theological significance on the Biblical map. Jesus says here, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…