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Apostles Quote by Eugene Stock at Shewsbury Church Congress

“Let us for a moment imagine what would have happened on the Galilean hillside, when our Lord fed the five thousand, if the Apostles had acted as some act now. The twelve would be going backwards, helping the first rank over and over again, and leaving the back rows unsupplied. Let us suppose one…” quote by Eugene Stock at Shewsbury Church Congress
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““Let us for a moment imagine what would have happened on the Galilean hillside, when our Lord fed the five thousand, if the Apostles had acted as some act now. The twelve would be going backwards, helping the first rank over and over again, and leaving the back rows unsupplied. Let us suppose one of them, say Andrew, venturing to say to his brother Simon Peter, 'Ought we all to be feeding the front row? Ought we not to divide, and some of us go to the back rows?' Then suppose Peter replying 'Oh no; don't you see these front people are so hungry? They have not had half enough yet; besides, they are nearest to us, so we are more responsible for them.' Then, if Andrew resumes his appeal, suppose Peter going on to say, 'Very well; you are quite right. You go and feed all those back rows; but I can't spare anyone else, I and the other ten of us have more than we can do here.' Once more, suppose Andrew persuades Philip to go with him; then, perhaps, Matthew will cry out and say, 'Why, they're all going to those farther rows! Is no one to be left to these needy people in front?' Let me ask the members of Congress, Do you recognise these sentences at all?””

Eugene Stock at Shewsbury Church Congress

About This Quote

A hypothetical dialogue illustrates the tension between focusing on immediate needs versus equitable distribution of aid.

In simple terms: Balancing front‑line urgency with broader fairness.

Key Takeaway

Consider how resources are allocated in crises.

Themes

equity priorities resource distribution leadership compassion

Mood

thoughtful critical reflective

Type

Apostles:1 Needy people:1 Time:0 Apostles Acted:1 Andrew Persuades:1 Suppose Peter:1 Happened Galilean:0

When to use this quote

  • humanitarian aid
  • church leadership
  • policy discussion

Key Concepts

ethical dilemma social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How would you prioritize aid in a limited‑resource scenario?
  • What principles guide fair distribution?
A Different Perspective

Resource scarcity can force short‑term focus, neglecting long‑term equity.

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