“Then He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about 50 each.” Luke 9:14b HCSB
5,000 men would total up to 25,650 people if everyone was married with 3.13 kids (average kids per family in Israel now). This would make 513 groups of people. The 12 disciples would have almost 43 groups of people to distribute food.
But why 50 people?
“But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you.”
Exodus 18:21-22 HCSB
Groups of thousands would represent clans. Groups of hundreds would resemble cities. Groups of tens would be families. That leaves us with groups of fifties. Not divided by family and not by city, but by a small enough group, one could lead, like a church. A small church could be handled by one pastor. Once it grows beyond that they start “employing” associate, teen, and children Pastors to divide up the responsibilities and burdens.
So why fifties? I don’t know other than it would be a manageable group for the disciples to deliver food to. It would be a small enough group to enjoy some close conversations while not excluding out too many people. But yet big enough to not be segregated by families.
“And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 HCSB
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