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.
Overview of Acts Chapter 6
Acts Chapter 6 marks a significant turning point in the early Christian community as it addresses the growing pains of the church. The chapter highlights the challenges of leadership, the importance of service, and the emergence of new roles within the church. It also introduces Stephen, a key figure in the narrative of the early church.
Key Themes
- Growth of the Church: The chapter illustrates the rapid expansion of the Christian community and the accompanying challenges.
- Leadership and Delegation: The appointment of deacons signifies the need for effective leadership and the delegation of responsibilities.
- Service and Ministry: The emphasis on serving the needs of the community reflects the core values of the early church.
- Stephen’s Role: Stephen’s character and actions foreshadow the conflicts that will arise as the church grows.
Summary of Events
- Complaint of the Hellenistic Jews (Verses 1-2):
As the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose among the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This situation prompted the apostles to recognize the need for a solution to ensure fair treatment within the community.
- Appointment of Seven Deacons (Verses 3-6):
The apostles proposed selecting seven men from among the disciples who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. This decision aimed to allow the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. The congregation agreed, and they chose seven individuals, including Stephen, who was noted for his faith and the Holy Spirit.
- Growth of the Church Continues (Verse 7):
Following the appointment of the deacons, the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples increased significantly, including many priests who became obedient to the faith. This demonstrates the effectiveness of addressing internal issues and the positive impact on the church’s growth.
- Stephen’s Ministry and Opposition (Verses 8-15):
Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people, which led to opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke, leading them to secretly instigate false accusations against him. Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses claimed he spoke against the holy place and the law. His appearance was described as having the face of an angel, indicating divine favor.
Character Analysis
- Stephen:
Stephen is portrayed as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His ability to perform miracles and his wisdom in debate highlight his deep commitment to the faith. His eventual martyrdom serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Acts.
- Apostles:
The apostles demonstrate leadership by recognizing the need for delegation and ensuring that the community’s needs are met without neglecting their primary responsibilities of prayer and teaching.
- Hellenistic Jews:
Their complaint reflects the diversity within the early church and the potential for conflict arising from cultural differences. Their concerns also emphasize the importance of inclusivity in the community.
Theological Implications
- Role of Deacons:
The establishment of the diaconate highlights the importance of service within the church and the need for organized ministry to meet the needs of the community.
- Unity in Diversity:
The chapter illustrates that the church must address internal conflicts to maintain unity and promote growth, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and fairness.
- Empowerment of the Laity:
The appointment of deacons empowers lay leaders within the church, recognizing that ministry is not solely the responsibility of the apostles but shared among all believers.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 6 serves as a crucial chapter in the narrative of the early church, highlighting the challenges of growth, the importance of leadership and service, and the emergence of significant figures like Stephen. The events of this chapter lay the groundwork for future developments in the book of Acts, particularly regarding the spread of the gospel and the ensuing conflicts faced by the early Christians.
