S: Acts 6
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
O: We English-speaking Chinese-Malaysians are often called “Bananas” by Mandarin-supremacists because we are not fluent in Mandarin. I have been looked down upon by such individuals and told, “Learn your mother tongue!” What they fail to realise is that Mandarin, as a standardised language, is relatively young, having been popularised during the Manchurian Qing Dynasty. My real mother tongue, Hokkien, is much closer to classical Chinese in pronunciation and structure than Mandarin. In fact, classical Chinese poems often rhyme in Hokkien but not in Mandarin.
So, it seems that a similar kind of cultural tension was recorded in the early church. Greek-speaking Jewish believers (Hellenists) were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food for their widows, compared to Aramaic-speaking Jewish believers (Hebrews). The apostles, recognising the issue, wisely appointed seven men from the Hellenistic community to oversee fair distribution. Notably, all seven—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus—had Greek names. This could be seen as an early example of ensuring representation and fairness, akin to a “first-century affirmative action programme”! 😊
What stands out is that these deacons weren’t merely tasked with logistics—“serving tables,” as verse 2 describes. In verse 3, the apostles emphasised that these men needed to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This qualification was powerfully demonstrated in Stephen’s life. From verse 8 onwards, we see that Stephen not only performed great wonders and signs among the people but also defended the faith boldly, even in the face of opposition from the “Libertines” and others.
This passage reminds us that addressing cultural tensions within the church requires both fairness and spiritual wisdom. Those called to serve, whether in practical or spiritual roles, are instruments of God’s grace and power when they act in the Spirit’s fullness.
A: Our church is predominantly English-speaking Chinese-Malaysians, but we need to be welcoming to others—Indian-Malaysians, East Malaysian natives, foreigners, and others. We must be mindful of their needs and ensure we do not discriminate against them.
In our daily lives, do we look down on or discriminate against non-Chinese? Casual slurs against Malays, Indians, foreign workers, and others are unfortunately common, even among Christians.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to stand up for what is right. We cannot remain silent—or worse, agree—when fellow Chinese-Malaysians make discriminatory remarks. We must not allow our resentment against the discrimination we face as Christians or ethnic Chinese to justify bigotry of our own. Christ died for all, and all are created in the image of God.
P: Father, give me boldness to stand up for what is right, especially when it seems safer and more comfortable to go with the crowd or stay silent in the face of bigotry. Help me to see others as You see them, created in Your image and loved by You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
