Because the early Church in Jerusalem was growing at a rapid pace, the apostles were being stretched thin by preaching, praying, administering the money and land given to them, and distributing necessities to those in need. In Acts 6:2, the apostles say: “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables,”.  Here they’re talking about their responsibilities for seeing that the widows’ needs are met.  How did they address this issue?   The Hellenists complained that the Hebrew widows are being favored in the daily distribution of food and other necessities. This controversy centers on an issue of social justice that can be difficult for present day Christians to understand. The early Church operated in a patriarchal society, one in which women were forbidden to own land, money, or other property. That’s why pregnant women prayed that they would give birth to a son, who, when his father died, would inherit the family property, and could care for his widowed mother. Widows without sons were dependent on charity for basic necessities.  The apostles needed some assistance, and they asked for seven wise men of good reputation, full of the Spirit, to help them deal with administrative duties connected with distributing to those in need. The apostles promised to continue to devote themselves to prayer and preaching. Seven Hellenist-Jews were selected as deacons to meet this need. The names of the deacons were, Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus.  The first apostles established the office of bishop within the Church.