6:1 Now in those 5 days, when the disciples were growing in number, 6 a complaint arose on the part of the Greek-speaking Jews 7 against the native Hebraic Jews, 8 because their widows 9 were being overlooked 10 in the daily distribution of food. 11
1 tn Or “has deliberately paid no attention to.”
2 tn Or “times when people did not know.”
3 tn Here ἀνθρώποις (anqrwpoi") has been translated as a generic noun (“people”).
4 sn He now commands all people everywhere to repent. God was now asking all mankind to turn to him. No nation or race was excluded.
5 tn Grk “these.” The translation uses “those” for stylistic reasons.
6 tn Grk “were multiplying.”
7 tn Grk “the Hellenists,” but this descriptive term is largely unknown to the modern English reader. The translation “Greek-speaking Jews” attempts to convey something of who these were, but it was more than a matter of language spoken; it involved a degree of adoption of Greek culture as well.
sn The Greek-speaking Jews were the Hellenists, Jews who to a greater or lesser extent had adopted Greek thought, customs, and lifestyle, as well as the Greek language. The city of Alexandria in Egypt was a focal point for them, but they were scattered throughout the Roman Empire.
8 tn Grk “against the Hebrews,” but as with “Hellenists” this needs further explanation for the modern reader.
9 sn The care of widows is a major biblical theme: Deut 10:18; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 26:12-13; 27:19; Isa 1:17-23; Jer 7:6; Mal 3:5.
10 tn Or “neglected.”
11 tn Grk “in the daily serving.”
sn The daily distribution of food. The early church saw it as a responsibility to meet the basic needs of people in their group.