Acts 6:5

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the saying {G3056} pleased {G700}{G1799} the whole {G3956} multitude {G4128}: and {G2532} they chose {G1586} Stephen {G4736}, a man {G435} full {G4134} of faith {G4102} and {G2532} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, and {G2532} Philip {G5376}, and {G2532} Prochorus {G4402}, and {G2532} Nicanor {G3527}, and {G2532} Timon {G5096}, and {G2532} Parmenas {G3937}, and {G2532} Nicolas {G3532} a proselyte {G4339} of Antioch {G491}:

Complete Jewish Bible

What they said was agreeable to the whole gathering. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Ruach HaKodesh, Philip, Prochoros, Nikanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicholas, who was a proselyte from Antioch.

Berean Standard Bible

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

American Standard Version

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:5 records the enthusiastic approval of the early Christian community for the apostles' proposal to select seven men to manage the daily distribution of food, thereby resolving a practical dispute and enabling the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. This pivotal moment highlights the nascent church's organizational development and the essential qualifications—spiritual character and divine empowerment—required for those called to serve.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct response to the crisis described in [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - Complaint of the Hellenist Widows"), where Hellenistic Jewish widows were being neglected in the daily food distribution. The apostles, recognizing the need to prioritize their primary calling, proposed a solution in [Acts 6:2-4](/acts/6-2-4 "Acts 6:2-4 - Apostles' Solution and Focus"). Acts 6:5 then details the congregation's positive reception of this plan and lists the specific individuals chosen. This selection marks a significant administrative development, establishing a new order of service within the rapidly expanding church, which subsequently flourishes as seen in [Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - Growth of the Word of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem experienced explosive growth following Pentecost, leading to a diverse community that included both Aramaic-speaking (Hebraic) Jews and Greek-speaking (Hellenistic) Jews. This diversity, while a strength, also presented practical challenges, such as the equitable distribution of resources. The complaint in [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - The Hellenist Widows' Complaint") underscores the cultural tensions and logistical difficulties inherent in a large, communal body. The solution, involving the selection of men to serve, reflects a practical and Spirit-led approach to managing the church's burgeoning needs and maintaining unity amidst its diverse composition.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several core themes. First, it emphasizes **Spirit-filled leadership**, demonstrating that practical service is not merely administrative but requires spiritual discernment and empowerment, as exemplified by Stephen being "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." Second, it highlights the importance of **delegation and organization** within a growing community. The apostles wisely delegated a crucial task, allowing them to remain focused on their primary spiritual responsibilities, a principle vital for effective church governance (cf. [Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Apostles' Devotion to Prayer and Ministry")). Third, the inclusion of men with Hellenistic names and specifically Nicolas, "a proselyte of Antioch," underscores the **inclusive nature and diversity** of the early church, demonstrating the Gospel's appeal across various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, echoing the unity celebrated in [Acts 2:44-47](/acts/2-44-47 "Acts 2:44-47 - The Early Believers' Fellowship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saying (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." Here, it refers to the apostles' proposal for selecting seven men to manage the food distribution, indicating that their reasoned and Spirit-led solution was well-received.
* **pleased (Greek, _aréskō'_):** From G700, meaning "to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)." This word signifies that the apostles' suggestion resonated positively with the entire multitude, indicating communal consensus and harmony in the decision-making process.
* **chose (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** From G1586, meaning "middle voice from ἐκ and λέγω (in its primary sense); to select." This term emphasizes that the selection was an active, deliberate choice made by the congregation, not merely an appointment by the apostles, highlighting the participatory nature of early church governance.
* **full (Greek, _plḗrēs'_):** From G4134, meaning "replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete." When applied to Stephen being "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," it signifies not just a measure of these qualities, but an overflowing, complete saturation, indicating a profound spiritual depth and empowerment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the saying pleased the whole multitude:"** This opening clause establishes the unanimous approval of the apostles' proposal. The "saying" refers to the plan outlined in [Acts 6:2-4](/acts/6-2-4 "Acts 6:2-4 - The Apostles' Proposal"), which addressed the dispute regarding the Hellenist widows. The "whole multitude" signifies the entire assembly of believers, indicating broad consensus and unity in the decision-making process of the early church.
* **"and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,"** This segment introduces the first and most prominent of the seven chosen men. The congregation actively "chose" these individuals, demonstrating a participatory model of leadership selection. Stephen is specifically highlighted by his spiritual qualifications: "full of faith" (G4134, G4102) indicating deep trust in God and spiritual conviction, and "of the Holy Ghost" (G40, G4151), signifying divine empowerment, guidance, and spiritual vitality, which would equip him for both practical service and powerful testimony.
* **"and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:"** This final part lists the remaining six men selected alongside Stephen. The enumeration of names underscores the concreteness of the decision and the formal establishment of this new group of servants. The inclusion of "Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch" is particularly significant, as it indicates the diversity within the early church, welcoming even those who were Gentile converts to Judaism before embracing Christianity, thereby demonstrating the Gospel's universal appeal and the church's inclusive nature.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Enumeration** is prominently used in the listing of the seven men chosen, providing a clear and specific account of those appointed. This direct listing emphasizes the practical and organizational nature of the church's response to the internal conflict. **Emphasis** is placed on Stephen's spiritual qualifications, describing him as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." This highlights the paramount importance of spiritual character over mere administrative ability for those in positions of service within the early Christian community. The repeated use of "and" (**Polysyndeton**) before each name in the list creates a sense of deliberateness and completeness, underscoring that each individual was specifically chosen and recognized by the collective body.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:5 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christian service and leadership. It demonstrates that effective ministry requires both practical wisdom and profound spiritual empowerment. The selection of these seven, often seen as the precursors to the diaconate, underscores that caring for the physical and social needs of the community is a sacred task, not peripheral to the "spiritual" work of preaching and prayer. It illustrates the church's divine wisdom in delegating responsibilities to ensure that all aspects of its mission—proclamation, fellowship, and service—are faithfully executed. This balance ensures that the church remains robust in both its spiritual depth and its practical care for its members, reflecting a holistic understanding of discipleship.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service"): This passage speaks to the diversity of spiritual gifts given for service within the body of Christ, echoing the practical service exemplified by the seven.
* [1 Timothy 3:8-13](/1_timothy/3-8-13 "1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Qualifications for Deacons"): While not explicitly called "deacons" here, the qualifications and role of the seven in Acts 6 align closely with Paul's later instructions for deacons, emphasizing character, faith, and practical service.
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Growth"): This passage highlights that various leadership roles are given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, leading to the building up of the body of Christ, a principle demonstrated by the apostles' delegation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The selection of the seven in Acts 6:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and church communities. It reminds us that ministry is multifaceted, encompassing both the proclamation of God's Word and the practical, compassionate care for those in need. The emphasis on Stephen being "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" challenges us to consider that true effectiveness in service stems not merely from natural ability or organizational skill, but from a deep spiritual wellspring and reliance on divine empowerment. For churches, this passage encourages a thoughtful approach to leadership, ensuring that those appointed to serve, whether in highly visible or behind-the-scenes roles, possess not only competence but also character and spiritual vitality. It also calls us to value and affirm the diverse gifts within the body, recognizing that every member has a vital role to play in the holistic flourishing of the community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on Stephen being "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" challenge our contemporary understanding of qualifications for leadership and service in the church?**
* **In what ways can our church or community better balance the "ministry of the word" with the "serving of tables" to ensure holistic care for all members?**
* **How can we, as individuals, cultivate a life "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" to be better equipped for whatever service God calls us to?**

### FAQ
**What was the "saying" that pleased the whole multitude?**

Answer: The "saying" refers to the proposal put forth by the apostles in [Acts 6:2-4](/acts/6-2-4 "Acts 6:2-4 - The Apostles' Proposal"). Faced with a complaint that Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily food distribution, the apostles suggested that the congregation choose seven men "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" to oversee this practical ministry. This would allow the apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. The multitude's approval indicated their consensus and satisfaction with this Spirit-led solution.

**Were these seven men the first "deacons" of the church?**

Answer: While the text in [Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Selection of the Seven") does not explicitly use the term "deacon" (Greek: _diakonos_), the role described for these seven men—serving tables and managing practical affairs—aligns closely with the later understanding and qualifications of deacons as outlined in passages like [1 Timothy 3:8-13](/1_timothy/3-8-13 "1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Qualifications for Deacons"). Therefore, they are widely considered to be the functional forerunners or prototypes of the diaconate, establishing a precedent for a distinct office of service within the church alongside the apostles.

**Why is Nicolas's background as "a proselyte of Antioch" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of Nicolas as "a proselyte of Antioch" (G4339, G491) is significant because it highlights the diverse composition of the early church and its inclusive nature. A proselyte was a Gentile who had converted to Judaism, undergoing circumcision and ritual immersion, before embracing Christianity. His inclusion among the seven chosen men demonstrates that the early Christian community welcomed and empowered individuals from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, fostering unity and demonstrating the universal reach of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins. This detail underscores the church's commitment to bridging cultural divides, especially in light of the initial dispute between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:5, though describing an administrative decision, profoundly reveals Christ's ongoing work through His body, the church. The selection of these Spirit-filled men for service is a direct outworking of Christ's own example of servant leadership. Just as Jesus came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), the church, empowered by His Spirit, continues this ministry of practical care and spiritual nourishment. The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, equips believers with gifts for service, enabling the church to grow and function effectively as Christ's hands and feet in the world ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")). Stephen, "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," foreshadows the Christ-like character required for all who serve, demonstrating that true spiritual authority is manifested in humble service and obedience to God's empowering Spirit. This passage ultimately points to Christ as the head of the church, orchestrating its growth and ensuring its faithful witness through the Spirit-empowered dedication of His people to both word and deed, mirroring His own incarnational ministry among humanity ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 11:24

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Acts 21:8

¶ And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him.

Acts 6:8

¶ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Acts 8:5

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts 7:1

¶ Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

Acts 8:2

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.