Stephen's selection as the first-named deacon in verse 5 foreshadows his role as Christianity's first martyr, making him the only biblical figure to bridge institutional leadership and sacrificial death.
Acts 6
The Choosing of the Seven
1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
3Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
5These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,
6whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Seized
8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,
13and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
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Theme
Acts 6 addresses the early church's first major internal challenge when Greek-speaking Jewish Christians complained about neglect of their widows in daily food distribution. The apostles respond by establishing the office of deacon, appointing seven Spirit-filled men including Stephen to handle practical matters while they focus on prayer and preaching. The chapter concludes with Stephen performing miraculous signs but facing fierce opposition from various synagogues, leading to false accusations of blasphemy and his arrest before the council.
Context
This chapter transitions from the early church's external conflicts with authorities in chapters 4-5 to internal organizational challenges and sets up Stephen's pivotal defense speech in chapter 7.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 The Complaint Arises Hellenistic Jews complain that their widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food.
- 3-4 The Apostolic Solution The twelve apostles propose selecting seven qualified men to handle this ministry while they focus on prayer and preaching.
- 5-7 The Seven Appointed The community chooses seven men including Stephen and Philip, who are ordained through prayer and laying on of hands, resulting in continued church growth.
- 8-10 Stephen's Ministry and Opposition Stephen performs great signs and wonders but faces disputes from various synagogue groups who cannot match his Spirit-given wisdom.
- 11-15 False Accusations and Arrest Unable to defeat Stephen in debate, his opponents resort to false witnesses and bring him before the council on charges of blasphemy.
The Choosing of the Seven
6:1–6:7 narrative narration contemplative
The apostles appoint seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to serve tables and care for widows, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. This organizational decision leads to continued growth of the church in Jerusalem.
person_contrast
Stephen's selection as the first-named deacon in verse 5 foreshadows his role as Christianity's first martyr, making him the only biblical figure to bridge institutional leadership and sacrificial death.
Stephen Seized
6:8–6:15 narrative narration urgent
Stephen performs great wonders and signs but faces opposition from various synagogue groups who falsely accuse him of blasphemy against Moses, God, and the temple. His face appears like that of an angel before the council.
person_contrast
Stephen's miraculous powers emerge suddenly in Acts 6:8, marking his only appearance performing "great wonders and signs" before his martyrdom, unlike other deacons who remain focused on service.
Insights
Stephen's miraculous powers emerge suddenly in Acts 6:8, marking his only appearance performing "great wonders and signs" before his martyrdom, unlike other deacons who remain focused on service.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Acts 6:2 1 reference
Acts 6:3 1 reference
Acts 6:5 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 11:24 Lexical
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 15:7 Lexical
When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made…
Acts 1:2 Lexical
until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom h…
Luke 1:15 Lexical
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Ho…
Acts 6:6 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 19:13 Lexical
Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Acts 13:3 Lexical
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Acts 28:8 Lexical
The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, heal…
Acts 10:30 Lexical
Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold,…
Acts 6:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 6:17 Lexical
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples and a great number of the people from a…
Acts 12:24 Lexical
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts 11:21 Lexical
The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 4:4 Lexical
But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Acts 7:17 Lexical
“But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
Acts 6:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
2 Corinthians 12:12 Lexical
Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Lexical
even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
Acts 2:22 Lexical
“Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs…
Hebrews 2:4 Lexical
God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, ac…
Romans 15:19 Lexical
in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and around as far as to Illyricu…
Acts 6:10 1 reference
Acts 6:11 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 10:22 Lexical
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the J…
Acts 10:44 Lexical
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.
2 Corinthians 12:4 Lexical
how he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Acts 3:22 Lexical
For Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me. Y…
Acts 6:12 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 20:1 Lexical
On one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, the priests and scribes c…
Luke 22:66 Lexical
As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people were gathered together, both chief priests and scribes,…
Mark 15:1 Lexical
Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders, scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, boun…
Acts 6:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 21:28 Lexical
crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and th…
Matthew 18:16 Lexical
But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be e…
2 Corinthians 13:1 Lexical
This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
Acts 5:32 Lexical
We are his witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 26:16 Lexical
But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness b…
Acts 6:15 2 references
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