Acts Chapter 6
Food for Thought
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1).
Food unites and divides. It may also nourish or corrupt. The preparation, distribution and consumption of food often highlight major turning points and milestones in the grand narrative of God’s salvation scheme.
In Acts 2:46 we see members of the apostolic church “breaking bread from house to house” and “[eating] their food with gladness and simplicity of heart”. Yet four chapters later, Acts 6 opens with discord in the church that surfaced in the form of uneven food distribution.
The Hellenists’ complaint against the Hebrews about their negligence in providing food for Hellenist widows highlighted several challenges that the apostolic church was undergoing at the time. The church was rapidly expanding and its membership was culturally and socially diverse. However, the church did not have a comprehensive administration to ensure the daily needs of its minorities were met, such as the Hellenist widows who were the minority of minorities.
In terms of gender, these women would not have had access to education and employment opportunities in a patriarchal society. They were therefore financially dependent. In terms of social standing, they had no familial network or social welfare to fall back on, especially in their retirement. In terms of ethnicity, they were a minority in a Hebrew dominant church.
Such social and cultural dynamics within the church were complex, requiring the assistance of individuals who were of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3). While food may not be the be-all and end-all of life, its preparation, distribution, and consumption play a critical role in God’s ministry.
Through food, we can express warmth and share love.
Jesus’ ministry on earth began by his transforming of water into wine at a banquet. A potentially embarrassing situation was turned into a perfect wedding finale.
While tending to the spiritual needs of the five thousand and the four thousand, Jesus also satisfied their hunger with more than enough food. The end of his ministry was marked by a supper with His beloved disciples. Jesus knew he would no longer be with them physically. He therefore taught them during the meal how to remember Him and to have a part in the realm of spirituality through the practice of holy communion.
After resurrection, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus provided a breakfast for the disciples who had labored throughout the night before. “Have you any food?” and “come and eat breakfast” were Jesus’ beaconing to his disciples who went back to their former profession after Jesus’ crucifixion.
Food may also destroy and corrupt. Through food, human weaknesses and desires are made manifest.
By eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve brought sin and therefore death into humanity. With a bowl of lentil soup, Esau sold his birthright. Through savory food and bread, Jacob cheated his father of his brother’s birthright. Along the journey in the wilderness, the Israelites’ insistent demand for meat was a trigger of God’s indignation. Nabal’s blunt and imprudent refusal to provide food for David and his famished men nearly brought about a total erasure of his household. Through profane consumption of sacred offerings, Eli’s two sons led the Israelites to their spiritual downfall and the final loss of the ark of covenant. Through the imposition of dietary prescription on the captive men of Israelites, King Nebuchadnezzar embarked on an ambitious project of fortifying his empire by transforming the chosen ones from inside out into loyal Babylonian citizens.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, all dining activities have ceased on the church premises.
One day if God is to give us another opportunity to return to the church kitchen to prepare food and to consume food together, what kind of food preparation and sharing would you want it to be?
Have we noticed those eating alone? Have we noticed those who do not eat with us?
Have we noticed those who might need an extra portion to take home?
Have we noticed what kinds of conversation transpired over the kitchen counter and the dining table?
Does food unite or divide us? Does it nourish or corrupt us?
