King James Version

What Does Acts 6:5 Mean?

Acts 6:5 in the King James Version says “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Phili... — study this verse from Acts chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 6:5 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stephen ('crown'), Philip ('lover of horses'), and others with Greek names indicate Hellenistic Jewish background. Their appointment around AD 32-33 satisfied the Greek-speaking Christians' concerns while unleashing gifted leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the choice of Hellenistic deacons teach about resolving church conflicts?
  2. How can churches identify and empower emerging leaders through serving roles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤρεσεν2 of 31

pleased

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

3 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος4 of 31

the saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἐνώπιον5 of 31
G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

παντὸς6 of 31

the whole

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῦ7 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλήθους8 of 31

multitude

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

καὶ9 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξελέξαντο10 of 31

they chose

G1586

to select

Στέφανον11 of 31

Stephen

G4736

stephanus, a christian

ἄνδρα12 of 31

a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

πλήρη13 of 31

full

G4134

replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

πίστεως14 of 31

of faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

καὶ15 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πνεύματος16 of 31

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίου17 of 31

of the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ18 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Φίλιππον19 of 31

Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

καὶ20 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Πρόχορον21 of 31

Prochorus

G4402

before the dance; prochorus, a christian

καὶ22 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Νικάνορα23 of 31

Nicanor

G3527

victorious; nicanor, a christian

καὶ24 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Τίμωνα25 of 31

Timon

G5096

valuable; timon, a christian

καὶ26 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Παρμενᾶν27 of 31

Parmenas

G3937

constant; parmenas, a christian

καὶ28 of 31

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Νικόλαον29 of 31

Nicolas

G3532

victorious over the people; nicolas, a heretic

προσήλυτον30 of 31

a proselyte

G4339

an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., (specially), an acceder (convert) to judaism ("proselyte")

Ἀντιοχέα31 of 31

of Antioch

G491

an antiochian or inhabitant of antiochia


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 6:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study