Bias is simply personal preference. Prejudice is a prejudgment of a person or group. Today it is often negative or critical, and is usually based upon stereotypes. Prejudice is a strong bias or an opinion formed before encountering the facts. If ones prejudice manifests itself in actions, it becomes discrimination.
You’ll note that the apostles encountered a situation among their community of regular discrimination. The Greek speaking Jewish widows (now converts to Christ) were not being given their daily portion of food. They were ‘overlooked’ by the Hebrew speaking Jewish believers who were responsible for the daily food distribution from the common ‘pot.’ This was not an oversight – ‘were being’ implies a continual action – day after day – intentional neglect. This was pure discrimination!
Note that this happened in a community of believers who were sitting under the teaching of the apostles and experiencing many wonders and miraculous signs. But even this amazing environment was not enough to overcome their long-held prejudice and enmity between Jew and Gentile. Something else was needed to bring about the Kingdom change where all would be treated equitably.
Leadership (the Twelve) got involved in bringing about a needed correction. They instructed the community to select seven men ‘full of the Spirit and wisdom’ to manage this daily distribution of food. And note that the seven who were nominated and then finally approved by the Twelve, were all Greeks (at least they all had Greek names). With these seven in charge the problem was solved.
Discrimination due to race, class, or culture is not of the Kingdom. When Kingdom leaders encounter it, they must act to correct it.
As you think about your leadership, is there any sign of discrimination that needs your engagement?