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 (4 sources)
KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
VI.
(1) **And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied.**—Better, *were being multiplied, *as by an almost daily increase. The length of the interval between this and the previous chapter is left uncertain. The death of Stephen is fixed by most writers in A.D. 38.
**The Grecians.**—The English version always carefully uses this word, and not Greeks, for the Hellenistæ or Gree...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude.
**1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor.
**went up--**were going up, were on their way.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples.**—The Apostles meet the crisis with singular tact and moderation. They do not resent the suspicion; they are not careful to vindicate themselves against it. They remembered, it may be, the precedent presented by the life of Moses (Exodus 18:25), and they act, as he had acted, by delegating part of their authority to others. The collectiv...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude.
**1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor.
**went up--**were going up, were on their way.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Seven men of honest report.**—The number may have had its origin in the general reverence for the number Seven among the Jews. Possibly, however, the suggestion may have come from the *Libertini*, or Hellenistæ of Rome*, *where there was a distinct guild, or *Collegium, *known as the *Septemviri Epulones, *or Seven Stewards (Lucan. i. 602), whose business it was to arrange for the banquets h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude.
**1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor.
**went up--**were going up, were on their way.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
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KJV Study 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' (<em>proskartereo</em>) implies devoted persistence. Prayer and Word constitute the shepherd's primary calling.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.**—Literally, *We will persevere in* . . . These formed the true work of the Apostles, as afterwards of the bishops or elders of the Church. “Prayer” includes the public worship of the Church in all its various developments, as well as private prayer and intercession; the “ministry of the word,” all forms of teachi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude.
**1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor.
**went up--**were going up, were on their way.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →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:
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And they chose Stephen.**—The seven who were chosen all bear Greek names, and it is a natural, though not a necessary, inference, that they were all of the Hellenistic section of the Church, either because that section had a majority, or because the Hebrews generously voted for giving them special representatives of their own. The order of names may represent the actual order of election, St...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude.
**1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor.
**went up--**were going up, were on their way.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.**—This is the first mention of the act in the New Testament. It had had an analogous meaning in the ritual of Israel (Numbers 27:23) in acts of blessing (Genesis 48:13-14) and the transmission of functions. Its primary symbolism would seem to be that of the concentration for the moment of all the spiritual energy of prayer upon him on whom...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-16. why marvel at this?--**For miracles are marvels only in relation to the limited powers of man.
**as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk--**Neither the might nor the merit of the cure are due to us, mere agents of Him whom we preach.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **The word of God increased.**—The tense indicates gradual and continuous growth. The fact stated implies more than the increase of numbers specified in the next clause. The “word of God” is here the whole doctrine of Christ as preached by the Apostles, and, we must now add, by the Seven who are commonly known as Deacons, and there was, as the sequel shows, at this stage, what we have learnt t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-16. why marvel at this?--**For miracles are marvels only in relation to the limited powers of man.
**as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk--**Neither the might nor the merit of the cure are due to us, mere agents of Him whom we preach.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons.(1-7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy.(8-15)
**Verses 1-7**
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tab...
Read full commentary →Stephen's Arrest
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Stephen, full of faith and power.**—The better MSS. give, “full of *grace* and power.”
**Did great wonders and miracles.**—Better, as preserving the familiar combination, *wonders and signs.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-16. why marvel at this?--**For miracles are marvels only in relation to the limited powers of man.
**as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk--**Neither the might nor the merit of the cure are due to us, mere agents of Him whom we preach.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines.**—The structure of the sentence makes it probable that the Libertines, the Cyrenians, and the Alexandrians attended one synagogue, those of Cilicia and Asia another. Each of the names has a special interest of its own. (1) The *Libertini.* These were freed-men, emancipated Roman Jews, with probably some proselytes, de...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-16. why marvel at this?--**For miracles are marvels only in relation to the limited powers of man.
**as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk--**Neither the might nor the merit of the cure are due to us, mere agents of Him whom we preach.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **They were not able.**—Better, *had no strength;* the verb being somewhat more forcible than that commonly translated “to be able.”
**To resist the wisdom and the spirit with which he spake.**—It is remarkable that Stephen is the first Christian teacher of whom “wisdom” is thus specially predicted. In the Gospels it is ascribed to our Lord (Matthew 13:54; Luke 2:40; Luke 2:52); and we read o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-16. why marvel at this?--**For miracles are marvels only in relation to the limited powers of man.
**as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk--**Neither the might nor the merit of the cure are due to us, mere agents of Him whom we preach.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.**—The words indicate with sufficient clearness the nature of Stephen’s teaching. The charge was a false one, but its falsehood was a distortion of the truth, as that against our Lord had been. He was accused of blasphemy in calling Himself the Son of God; making Himself equal with God (Matthew 26:63; John 5:18); threatening to destroy the Te...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-21. And now, brethren--**Our preacher, like his Master, "will not break the bruised reed." His heaviest charges are prompted by love, which now hastens to assuage the wounds it was necessary to inflict.
**I wot--**"know."
**through ignorance ye did it--**(See marginal references, Lu 23:34; Ac 13:27; 26:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →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,
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KJV Study 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-21. And now, brethren--**Our preacher, like his Master, "will not break the bruised reed." His heaviest charges are prompted by love, which now hastens to assuage the wounds it was necessary to inflict.
**I wot--**"know."
**through ignorance ye did it--**(See marginal references, Lu 23:34; Ac 13:27; 26:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Against this holy place.**—The new feature of Stephen’s preaching comes into greater prominence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-21. And now, brethren--**Our preacher, like his Master, "will not break the bruised reed." His heaviest charges are prompted by love, which now hastens to assuage the wounds it was necessary to inflict.
**I wot--**"know."
**through ignorance ye did it--**(See marginal references, Lu 23:34; Ac 13:27; 26:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →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
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **This Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place.**—The accusation rested in part on the words of John 2:19, partly on the prediction of Matthew 24:2, which Stephen must have known, and may well have reproduced. It would seem to the accusers a natural inference that He who had uttered the prediction should be the chief agent in its fulfilment.
**And shall change the customs.**—The words seem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-21. And now, brethren--**Our preacher, like his Master, "will not break the bruised reed." His heaviest charges are prompted by love, which now hastens to assuage the wounds it was necessary to inflict.
**I wot--**"know."
**through ignorance ye did it--**(See marginal references, Lu 23:34; Ac 13:27; 26:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Looking stedfastly on him.**—St Luke’s characteristic word. (See Note on Acts 1:10.)
**Saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.**—We can scarcely be wrong in tracing this description to the impression made at the time on St. Paul, and reported by him to St. Luke. It must be interpreted by the account given of angels as appearing in the form of “young men” (Mark 16:5), and so throws...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-21. And now, brethren--**Our preacher, like his Master, "will not break the bruised reed." His heaviest charges are prompted by love, which now hastens to assuage the wounds it was necessary to inflict.
**I wot--**"know."
**through ignorance ye did it--**(See marginal references, Lu 23:34; Ac 13:27; 26:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-15**
When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdo...
Read full commentary →