Acts 6:1-3
What is written? (ESV)
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
What does it say?
As the disciples increased, Hellenists complained that their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. The twelve said they should not leave preaching to serve tables and told the brethren to choose seven reputable men full of the Spirit and wisdom to appoint to this duty.
What is its immediate context?
The early days of the church since those first 3,000 were converted on the day of Pentecost in chapter 2, and just before the stoning of Stephen (chapter 7) leads to the persecution and subsequent scattering of Christians throughout Judea and Samaria and beyond.
How Acts 6:1-3 is applied across Bible answers
What is the organization of the church?
This might be an example of a reason for appointing deacon(s) as well as a process by which they are appointed. However, it is noted that these men are not named officially as deacons in the text.
