Justice

Acts 6:1-6 (NLT) But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.


In this instance of perceived discrimination, the Apostles acted wisely in choosing representatives from the aggrieved side, that is greek speaking Jews ( assumed from the names being greek), to minister to this situation. The fact the problem was solved was not the main victory, but that the people had been heard and taken seriously. Much of life and conflict can be resolved by hearing a person out, understanding what they are saying (demonstrated by reflective listening), and then coming to a solution of Justice by taking all into account. This is helped by those in leadership staying on focus for the task they were best suited to, explaining the life of Christ as they had witnessed. In this instance we see the Apostle shows wisdom as they act justly, by hearing without being offended, by being willing to be humble about their capacity, and by devolving and distributing authority to those around.

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