Acts 6

Acts 6 describes an important moment in the growth of the early church. As the number of disciples increased, practical problems began to arise. Some Greek-speaking Jewish believers, called Hellenists, complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and resources. The apostles responded wisely by appointing seven faithful men to take care of this work, so they could continue focusing on prayer and the ministry of the word. This chapter also introduces Stephen, a man full of faith and power, whose ministry brought great opposition from the religious leaders.

Acts 6:1 (NKJV)
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

As the early church grew, new challenges also appeared. The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews, and they felt that their widows were being overlooked in the daily sharing of food and resources. This could have caused division in the church because it involved cultural and language differences between believers. But the apostles took the problem seriously because they understood that fairness, love, and unity were important in the body of Christ.

Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV)
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit 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.”

The apostles understood that serving the practical needs of the church was important, but they also knew that their main calling was prayer and the ministry of the word. They did not ignore the problem, but they wisely asked the believers to choose seven men who had a good reputation and were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These men would take care of the daily distribution, while the apostles continued to focus on preaching, teaching, and prayer. This shows that both spiritual ministry and practical service are important in the church, but each work should be done by those called and equipped for it.

Acts 6:5-6 (NKJV)
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

The whole church was pleased with the apostles’ suggestion, showing that the believers were united in accepting this solution. They chose seven men, including Stephen, who is especially described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Philip was also among them, and he later became an important preacher of the gospel. After these men were chosen, they were brought before the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them. This showed that they were being officially appointed and blessed for this work of service in the church.

Acts 6:7 (NKJV)
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Because the apostles handled the problem wisely, the work of God continued to grow. The word of God spread, and the number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem. Even many priests became obedient to the faith, which shows the strong effect of the gospel among the Jewish people. This verse shows that when the church deals with problems in a godly and orderly way, it can protect unity and make the work of the gospel even stronger.

Acts 6:8-10 (NKJV)
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen — Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia — disputing with Stephen.
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Stephen was not only chosen to help with practical service; he was also full of faith and power, and God worked through him with great signs and wonders. This caused some men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen to argue with him. These were Jews from different regions, including Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. But they could not overcome Stephen’s wisdom because he spoke by the Spirit. This shows that Stephen’s power was not from human ability alone, but from God working through him.

Acts 6:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

Because Stephen’s opponents could not defeat his wisdom, they used lies and false accusations against him. They secretly persuaded men to accuse him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. Then they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and brought Stephen before the council. False witnesses claimed that he spoke against the temple and the law, saying that Jesus would destroy the temple and change the customs of Moses. These accusations were similar to the false accusations made against Jesus. This shows that when people reject the truth, they may turn to deception in order to silence God’s messenger.

Acts 6:15 (NKJV)
15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

As Stephen stood before the council, everyone looked at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. This showed that God’s presence was with him, giving him peace, purity, and courage even in the face of danger. Though he was falsely accused, Stephen did not appear fearful or guilty. His face became a silent testimony that God approved of him and was with him. This prepares the way for the powerful defense Stephen would give in the next chapter.