ABSTRACT
One of the earliest recorded social work ethical dilemmas can be found in Acts of Apostles (Marson & MacLeod, 1996). Theologians who specialize in the study of Acts of Apostles have given label “social worker” to the protomartyr, Stephen. In modern social work terminology, Stephen would be called a case manager in his role as the first diakonate or social ministry. As a first recorded deacon (derived from the Greek word “to serve”), he was responsible for the distribution of resources to widows and orphans, but he insisted that these scarce resources be distributed equitably.
