Acts, 6

Name: Acts
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Word of God Holy Spirit Wisdom Community Faith Law Angels God Prayer Miracles Baptism Obedience Church Punishment Widows Persecution

The apostles choose seven men to help with the ministry, and Stephen becomes the first martyr for the faith.

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Bible version

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.

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.

Commentary

Acts 6 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Acts, as it marks the beginning of the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. In this chapter, the apostles are faced with a problem: the Hellenistic Jews are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, recognizing the importance of this issue, come up with a solution: they will appoint seven men to oversee the distribution of food. This is significant because it is the first time the apostles delegate authority to someone outside of their own circle. This is a major step in the spread of the gospel, as it allows the apostles to focus on preaching and teaching, while the seven men can take care of the practical matters. The seven men chosen are all Hellenistic Jews, and this is significant because it shows that the gospel is not just for the Jews, but for all people. This is a major step in the spread of the gospel, as it shows that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background. The chapter ends with the apostles praying and laying their hands on the seven men, signifying that they are now in charge of the daily distribution of food. This is a powerful moment, as it shows that the apostles are entrusting the seven men with a great responsibility. Overall, Acts 6 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Acts, as it marks the beginning of the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. It is significant because it shows that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background, and it also shows that the apostles are willing to delegate authority to others.