Luke notes the church's continued numerical growth as the apostles faithfully teach and evangelize (5:42). This success leads to an overload for the apostles in their administration of the common fund for the poor (4:35, 37; 5:1; compare Deut 1:9-10). As a result, the Grecian Jewish widows are being overlooked in the daily food distribution. The resulting complaints (compare Num 17:5) threaten to destroy the church's unity.

The fact that it is Grecian Jews (Hellenistoi; Longenecker 1981:327-29 for a cogent discussion of the options for understanding this term) who complain against Hebraic believers (Hebraioi; see Longenecker 1981:332) shows that cultural tensions probably lie behind the oversight. Pious widows, having been removed from the temple dole—the weekly quppah, or poor basket of foodstuffs (m. Pe'a 8:7)—are now dependent on the church's daily distribution (NIV specifies it more precisely than the Greek by adding of food; see Kistemaker 1990:221). But the apostles, Hebraic Jews, are not making sure the Grecian widows receive their share.

Hebraic Jews had a prejudicial sense of superiority over Grecian Jews, because of their own birthplace and language. Lack of communication between the groups also fostered suspicion. In fact, human diversity will always bring with it opportunities for prejudicial division and injustice.

Facing the problem immediately and openly, the Twelve gather the congregation (plethos; see 4:32 for comment) and point out another threat: distraction from their calling, the ministry of the word of God. This activity is essential for church vitality and growth (see 6:7). The apostles are facing the decisions that come to leaders of a movement that is growing in numbers and complexity.