The "Hellenists" were Jews from outside Palestine. They had their own synagogues in Jerusalem and used the Greek translation of their Scriptures. The "Hebrews" in their synagogues used the Hebrew translation. The Jews who became Christian continued in similar separate communities. Luke describes tension developing between the separate Christian communities over the daily distribution of food. (Acts of the Apostles 6:1-8)
Besides noting that the Church experienced tensions from its very beginnings, it is also worth noticing that caring for the poor had already become an essential ministry of the Church. We can point with pride to the saints through the centuries who were famous for their care of the poor. With the coming of democracy people began to see this as a government function, as well as a Church ministry. Caring for the poor is not just a political issue but a moral obligation.
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