Acts Chapter 6

From The Open Bible Project

6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the [16] Hellenists [See Acts Footnotes 16] against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.

• (1) When Satan has assailed the Church on the outside, and with little result and in vain, he assails it on the inside, with civil dissension and strife between themselves: but the apostles take occasion by this to set order in the Church.
• (a) From among their own members, who became religious Jews from among the Greeks.
• (b) In the bestowing of alms according to their need.

6:2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

• (2) The office of preaching the word, and dispensing the goods of the Church, are different from one another, and not rashly to be joined together, as the apostles institute here. And the deacons must seek the consent of the Church more than the apostles.
• (c) It is such a matter that we may in no way accept it.
• (d) Banquets: though by the name of tables other offices are also meant, which are added to it, such as those which pertain to the care of the poor.

6:3 Therefore 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.

• (3) In choosing deacons (and much more in choosing ministers) there must be an examination of both their learning and their manners of life.

6:4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

6:5 These 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;

6:6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

• (4) The ancient Church, with the laying on of hands, as it were consecrated to the Lord those who were lawfully elected.
• (e) This ceremony of the laying on of hands came from the Jews, who used this ceremony both in public affairs, and in the offering of sacrifices, and also in private prayers and blessings, as appears in (Genesis 48:13-22); and the Church also observed this ceremony, as is evident from (1 Timothy 5:22; Acts 8:17). However, there is no mention made here either of cream, or shaving, or razing, or crossing, etc.

6:7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

• (5) A happy result of temptation.
• (f) This is the figure of speech metonymy, meaning by "faith" the doctrine of the Gospel which brings about faith.

6:8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

• (6) God trains his Church first with evil words and slanders, then with imprisonments, afterwards with scourgings, and by these means prepares it in such a way that at length he causes it to meet in combat with Satan and the world, even to bloodshed and death.
• (g) Excellent and singular gifts.

6:9 But 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.

• (7) Schools and universities in ancient times were addicted to false pastors, and were the instruments of Satan to spread abroad and defend false doctrines.
• (h) Of the people and the school, as it were.

6:10 They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

• (8) False teachers, because they will not be overcome, flee from disputations and resort to manifest and open slandering and false accusations.

6:11 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."

6:12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,

• (9) The first bloody persecution of the Church of Christ, began and sprang from a council of priests, by the suggestion of the university teachers.

6:13 and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

• (10) An example of frivolous objectors or false accusers, who gather false conclusions from things that are well uttered and spoken.

6:14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us."

6:15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

• (i) By this it appears that Steven had an excellent and wholesome countenance, having a quiet and settled mind, a good conscience, and certain conviction that his cause was just: for seeing as he was to speak before the people, God beautified his countenance, so that by the very beholding of him the Jews’ minds might be penetrated and amazed.