About Acts

Acts records the birth and growth of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 62-64Reading time: ~2 minVerses: 15
Holy SpiritWitnessChurch GrowthMissionPersecutionUnity

King James Version

Acts 6

15 verses with commentary

Seven Chosen to Serve

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.

View commentary
The 'Grecians' (Hellenistic Jews) murmured against 'Hebrews' (Aramaic-speaking Jews) over widow care. Internal church conflict arose from cultural division. The 'daily ministration' indicates organized charitable distribution. This first recorded church conflict reveals that community life faces practical challenges.

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.

View commentary
The apostles gathered 'the multitude of disciples' for congregational decision-making. 'It is not reason that we should leave the word of God' established ministry priorities. The phrase 'serve tables' dignified practical service while distinguishing it from teaching ministry.

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.

View commentary
The qualifications for deacons—good reputation, Spirit-fullness, and wisdom—establish that even practical ministry requires spiritual character. The apostles' directive to 'look ye out' engages the congregation in leadership selection, modeling shared governance. These standards ensure that administrative service maintains spiritual integrity.

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

View commentary
The apostles committed to 'give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.' This prioritization established the pattern of pastoral focus. 'Continually' (proskartereo) implies devoted persistence. Prayer and Word constitute the shepherd's primary calling.

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:

View commentary
The selection of seven men, all bearing Greek names, demonstrates the majority's willingness to entrust ministry to the offended minority. Stephen and Philip's future prominence shows these 'deacons' weren't limited to food service but became powerful evangelists. This principle of empowering potential leaders proved fruitful.

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

View commentary
The laying on of hands before the apostles commissioned the seven for service. This public act conveyed both blessing and authority. The ceremony established a pattern for ordaining church leaders.

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.

View commentary
'The word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied' - resolution of internal conflict enabled external growth. 'A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith' shows the gospel penetrating even religious leadership. Internal health promotes external witness.

Stephen's Arrest

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

View commentary
Stephen's description as 'full of faith and power' connects spiritual depth with effective ministry—faith precedes and enables powerful works. The 'great wonders and miracles' authenticated his message, showing that God confirms faithful servants with supernatural signs when needed for gospel advance.

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.

View commentary
Opposition arose from 'the synagogue of the Libertines' (freedmen, possibly former slaves) and various Diaspora groups. 'Disputing with Stephen' indicates attempted debate. When argument failed, they resorted to false accusation. Intellectual defeat often produces violent reaction.

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

View commentary
'They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake' - Stephen's arguments were irrefutable. Divine wisdom through the Spirit exceeded human wisdom. Unable to defeat his logic, they resorted to legal manipulation.

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

View commentary
'They suborned men' - secretly inducing false testimony. The accusations of speaking 'against Moses, and against God' echoed charges against Jesus (Mark 14:58). False accusation is Satan's ancient strategy against God's servants.

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,

View commentary
'They stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes' - previously the people favored the apostles (Acts 2:47, 5:26). Now mob manipulation turned public opinion. Stephen was 'caught' and brought to the council - violence replacing due process.

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

View commentary
The false witnesses accused Stephen of speaking 'against this holy place, and the law.' The charges misrepresented Stephen's teaching that Jesus fulfilled and transcended temple and law. Truth about Jesus threatened entrenched religious interests.

For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. customs: or, rites

View commentary
They claimed Stephen said 'Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.' This partially echoed Jesus' teaching (John 2:19-21) but distorted its meaning. Truth mixed with distortion is Satan's most effective lie.

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

View commentary
Stephen's angelic face during trial recalls Moses' radiant countenance after encountering God (Exodus 34:29), suggesting divine approval and presence. This supernatural sign to his accusers demonstrated God's vindication of his testimony. The Greek implies sustained transformation, not momentary change.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study