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

Good times, bad times.

The Lord was growing His Church. The number of the disciples was multiplying. That is a good thing. Take note that the text says the number of disciples was multiplying. It doesn’t say the number of people attending was growing. That it was multiplying indicates a rapid rate of growth. It was exponential growth. Of course, that does not mean that all churches grow, rapidly, exponentially, much less continuously. But in those special days of the Apostles, “the number of the disciples was multiplying.” Good Times!

The enemy was seeking to divide the Church. What timing! When the Lord was was multiplying the number of disciples, Satan was dividing the Church. And don’t miss the cause of division. It wasn’t over substantive doctrinal issues that would rightly divide those in error from those standing solidly in truth. The cause of division was over who was getting the better treatment from the benevolence committee. That may even be classified as covetousness! How sad when churches experience division over lesser issues, much less selfish issues. Bad Times!

Let us praise the Lord and pray that He will grow His Church, whether rapidly or slowly. And let us be on guard against complaining (the word is in the text, mind you). We do not want to contribute to division among us, especially if God should be pleased to multiply us.