Acts6

As the number of disciples grew, a murmuring arose between Grecian and Hebrew believers concerning the neglect of widows in daily ministration. The apostles, to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, directed the multitude to choose seven men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom for this service. Stephen, one of these chosen, performed great wonders but was subsequently accused of blasphemy against Moses and God, leading to his arrest and appearance before the council.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

The Appointment of the Seven

1
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ​
2
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ​
3
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ​
4
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
5
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: ​
6
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. ​
7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. ​

Stephen's Ministry and Opposition

8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. ​
9
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. ​
10
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. ​
11
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. ​
12
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
13
And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: ​
14
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. ​
15
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. ​

Study Notes for Acts 6

Verse 1

Rapid growth led to the first internal conflict. The 'Grecians' (Hellenists) were Greek-speaking Jews from the Diaspora, whose widows felt overlooked compared to the 'Hebrews' (Aramaic-speaking native Jews) in the daily distribution of resources.

Verse 2

The apostles established a crucial principle of delegation: ministry of the Word and prayer must take precedence over necessary, but secondary, administrative duties (serving tables).

Verse 3

The criteria for selection were spiritual character and practical wisdom, emphasizing that those entrusted with practical ministry must be spiritually mature and Spirit-filled.

Verse 5

The seven chosen all bear Greek names, suggesting they were selected specifically to address the concerns of the Hellenistic community and bridge the cultural divide. Nicolas is noted as a Gentile convert (proselyte).

Verse 6

The laying on of hands was a formal act of commissioning and designation, imparting authority and blessing for their specific service within the growing church structure.

Verse 7

The successful resolution of the administrative crisis allowed the church to flourish greatly. The conversion of a 'great company of the priests' is a remarkable sign of the Gospel’s power, as priests represented the core of the established Jewish hierarchy.

Verse 8

Stephen’s ministry expanded beyond administration; he was empowered by the Spirit to perform signs and wonders, demonstrating his apostolic authority and divine approval.

Verse 9

The 'Libertines' were likely Jews who had been enslaved by the Romans and later freed. Opposition came from Diaspora Jews from various regions, whose zeal for the Law was often stricter than that of the native Jerusalem Jews.

Verse 10

Stephen’s wisdom was irresistible because it was inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would speak through His disciples when they faced hostile authorities (Luke 21:15).

Verse 11

Unable to defeat Stephen in debate, his opponents resorted to suborning false witnesses, repeating the method used to condemn Jesus.

Verse 13

The accusations focus on blasphemy against the Temple and the Law. This highlights the central conflict of early Christianity: the transition away from physical Temple worship and the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law.

Verse 14

These charges suggest Stephen was articulating the revolutionary implications of Jesus' ministry—that the Messiah would supersede the Temple and fulfill the Law, necessitating a change in Jewish 'customs.'

Verse 15

Stephen’s appearance, shining 'as the face of an angel,' signifies his divine vindication and innocence before his accusers. This imagery echoes Moses’ radiant face after meeting with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29).

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options