Acts 6
Acts Chapter 6 addresses the practical issues arising in the early Christian community, specifically the need for administrative assistance to ensure fair distribution of resources among the believers. This chapter highlights the selection of the first deacons, demonstrating an early form of church governance and the importance of appointing godly leaders to manage community affairs, freeing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.
Acts 6:1 (KJV) 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.
As the early Christian community grew, tensions surfaced between the Hellenistic (Grecian) Jews and the Hebraic Jews. The Hellenistic group felt that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, highlighting early challenges in the communal care system.
Acts 6:2-4 (KJV) 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. 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. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
The apostles addressed the issue by proposing the selection of seven reputable men from within the community to oversee the daily distribution. This allowed the apostles to concentrate on prayer and teaching, setting a precedent for delegating administrative responsibilities to preserve the integrity and priority of spiritual ministry.
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:
The community approved the apostles' proposal and selected seven men, including Stephen and Philip, who are notably mentioned later in Acts for their evangelistic efforts. This demonstrates the community's trust in their leadership and their active participation in decision-making.
Acts 6:6 (KJV) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
The apostles endorsed the selected deacons through prayer and the laying on of hands, a symbolic act conferring God's blessing and authority. This ritual underscored the spiritual significance of their roles, beyond mere administrative tasks.
Acts 6:7 (KJV) 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.
The resolution of the administrative issue and the appointment of the deacons contributed to a positive outcome where the gospel continued to spread, the number of believers increased significantly, and even many Jewish priests converted to Christianity, indicating the profound impact of the apostles' ministry.
Acts 6:8 (KJV) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Stephen, one of the newly appointed deacons, emerged as a key figure performing miracles and signs among the people. His actions demonstrate that the role of a deacon was not limited to service tasks but also included powerful spiritual ministry.
Acts 6:9-10 (KJV) 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. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Stephen's powerful preaching and debates with members from various synagogues, including those from Cilicia (Paul's home region), highlighted his profound understanding and spiritual insight. His opponents could not counter his wisdom, showcasing the divine empowerment he received.
Acts 6:11-14 (KJV) Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 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, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
Unable to overcome Stephen's arguments, his adversaries resorted to false accusations, charging him with blasphemy against Moses, God, the temple, and the law. These charges echo those previously made against Jesus, indicating a pattern of opposition faced by early Christians from the Jewish religious leadership.
Acts 6:15 (KJV) And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
As Stephen faced the council, his countenance was transformed, resembling that of an angel. This miraculous sign served as a divine affirmation of his innocence and the righteousness of his message, setting the stage for his profound defense in the following chapter.