Acts 6 marks a significant transition in the narrative of the early church. As the Christian community in Jerusalem continues to grow, new challenges arise that require organizational changes and adaptation. This chapter introduces the selection of seven men to assist in the daily distribution of food, addressing a concern raised by the Hellenistic Jews. It also introduces Stephen, one of the seven, whose powerful ministry and subsequent martyrdom become a pivotal moment in the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

The events in this chapter take place against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding church in Jerusalem. The community, which began with about 120 believers (Acts 1:15), had grown to include thousands (Acts 4:4). This growth brought with it logistical challenges and cultural tensions between the Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews within the Christian community.

Outline of Acts 6

I. The Problem in the Early Church (Acts 6:1)

A. Growth of the disciples

B. Complaint of the Hellenistic Jews

II. The Apostles' Solution (Acts 6:2-4)

A. Calling a meeting of the disciples

B. Proposal to select seven men

C. Defining the apostles' priorities

III. The Selection of the Seven (Acts 6:5-6)

A. The community's approval

B. The names of those chosen

C. The apostles' prayer and laying on of hands

IV. The Continued Growth of the Church (Acts 6:7)

A. Spread of the word of God

B. Increase in the number of disciples

C. Obedience of many priests

V. The Ministry and Arrest of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15)

A. Stephen's powerful ministry

B. Opposition from certain synagogues

C. False accusations against Stephen

D. Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin

Key Themes and Theological Insights

1. Church Organization and Leadership: The chapter demonstrates the early church's ability to adapt its structure to meet new challenges while maintaining focus on its primary mission.

2. Unity in Diversity: The selection of the seven, all with Greek names, shows the church's commitment to addressing the concerns of the Hellenistic Jews and maintaining unity.

3. Prioritization of Ministry: The apostles' decision to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word highlights the importance of spiritual leadership.

4. The Power of the Holy Spirit: Stephen's ministry is characterized by the manifestation of God's power through signs and wonders.

5. Opposition to the Gospel: The resistance to Stephen's ministry foreshadows the increasing persecution the church will face.

6. Wisdom and the Holy Spirit: Stephen's ability to speak with wisdom is attributed to the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus' promise in Luke 12:11-12.

Verse-by-Verse Exegesis

1. "Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution." (ESV)

The Greek term "πληθυνόντων" (plēthynontōn) indicates a multiplication or rapid increase in the number of disciples. The "Hellenists" (Ἑλληνιστῶν, Hellēnistōn) refers to Greek-speaking Jews, while "Hebrews" (Ἑβραίους, Hebraious) likely refers to Aramaic-speaking Jews. The "daily distribution" (διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ, diakonia tē kathēmerinē) probably refers to the distribution of food or funds to support widows.

2-4. "And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.'" (ESV)

The apostles' response uses the term "οὐκ ἀρεστόν" (ouk areston), meaning "not pleasing" or "not right," to emphasize the importance of their primary calling. The phrase "serve tables" (διακονεῖν τραπέζαις, diakonein trapezais) likely refers to the practical aspects of caring for the community's needs. The qualifications for the seven include being "full of the Spirit" (πλήρεις πνεύματος, plēreis pneumatos) and "of wisdom" (σοφίας, sophias), indicating the spiritual nature of their role.

5-6. "And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them." (ESV)

All seven men chosen have Greek names, suggesting they were likely from the Hellenistic Jewish community. Stephen is specifically described as "full of faith" (πλήρη πίστεως, plērē pisteōs) and "of the Holy Spirit" (πνεύματος ἁγίου, pneumatos hagiou). The laying on of hands (ἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας, epethēkan autois tas cheiras) signifies the commissioning and empowerment for their new role.

7. "And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." (ESV)

The growth of the church is described with three parallel statements: the increase of God's word, the multiplication of disciples, and the obedience of many priests. The term "obedient to the faith" (ὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει, hypēkouon tē pistei) suggests a complete submission to the Christian message.

8. "And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people." (ESV)

Stephen's ministry is characterized by "grace" (χάριτος, charitos) and "power" (δυνάμεως, dynameōs), resulting in "wonders" (τέρατα, terata) and "signs" (σημεῖα, sēmeia), terms often used to describe miraculous acts.

9-10. "Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking." (ESV)

The opposition to Stephen comes from various Hellenistic Jewish groups. The "synagogue of the Freedmen" (συναγωγῆς τῆς λεγομένης Λιβερτίνων, synagōgēs tēs legomenēs Libertinōn) likely refers to descendants of freed Jewish slaves. Stephen's ability to resist their arguments is attributed to his "wisdom" (σοφίᾳ, sophia) and "the Spirit" (πνεύματι, pneumati).

11-14. "Then they secretly instigated men who said, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.' And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, 'This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.'" (ESV)

The accusations against Stephen echo those made against Jesus (Mark 14:57-58). The term "blasphemous" (βλάσφημα, blasphēma) implies speech that dishonors God. The false witnesses accuse Stephen of speaking against the temple ("this holy place") and the law, two central pillars of Jewish faith.

15. "And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel." (ESV)

The description of Stephen's face as "like the face of an angel" (ὡσεὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου, hōsei prosōpon angelou) suggests a supernatural radiance, reminiscent of Moses' face after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-35).

Reflection Questions

1. How does the early church's response to the complaint of the Hellenistic Jews demonstrate principles of effective leadership and conflict resolution?

2. What does the selection of the seven men reveal about the early church's understanding of spiritual qualifications for practical service?

3. How does the apostles' prioritization of prayer and the ministry of the word challenge our own approach to church leadership and ministry?

4. In what ways does Stephen's powerful ministry demonstrate the connection between faith, the Holy Spirit, and effective witness?

5. How does the opposition to Stephen's ministry reflect the challenges faced by those who boldly proclaim the gospel?

6. What can we learn from the description of Stephen's appearance before the council about facing persecution with grace and divine empowerment?

7. How does this chapter illustrate the importance of addressing both spiritual and practical needs within the church community?

8. What principles can we derive from this chapter about maintaining unity in a diverse church body?

Applications for Believers Today

1. Prioritize spiritual leadership: Church leaders should focus on prayer and the ministry of the word while equipping others for practical service.

2. Address conflicts proactively: When issues arise within the church, address them openly and seek solutions that promote unity and fairness.

3. Value diversity in ministry: Recognize and utilize the gifts of all members of the church community, regardless of cultural background.

4. Seek wisdom and the Spirit's guidance: In all aspects of ministry and service, rely on God's wisdom and power rather than human strength alone.

5. Prepare for opposition: Expect challenges when boldly proclaiming the gospel, and trust in God's empowerment to face them with grace.

6. Balance practical and spiritual needs: Ensure that the church addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of its members and community.

7. Cultivate unity in diversity: Work to maintain unity within the church while respecting and celebrating cultural differences.

8. Develop new leaders: Identify and empower individuals with strong spiritual qualifications to take on leadership roles in various areas of ministry.

Conclusion

Acts 6 provides a valuable glimpse into the early church's ability to adapt to new challenges while maintaining its focus on the proclamation of the gospel. The chapter demonstrates the importance of addressing practical needs within the community, the value of diverse leadership, and the power of Spirit-filled ministry. The selection of the seven men to assist with the daily distribution not only resolved a specific issue but also paved the way for expanded ministry opportunities, as seen in Stephen's powerful witness.

The chapter also foreshadows the increasing opposition the church would face, particularly from religious authorities. Stephen's bold proclamation of the gospel and his Spirit-empowered wisdom in the face of opposition serve as an inspiring example for believers throughout history. His experience reminds us that faithfulness to God's calling may lead to persecution, but it also brings with it the promise of divine presence and empowerment.

Ultimately, Acts 6 challenges us to maintain a balance between addressing practical needs and spiritual priorities, to value unity in diversity, and to rely on God's wisdom and power in all aspects of church life and ministry. It encourages us to be prepared for opposition while trusting in God's sovereign plan for the advancement of His kingdom.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude for the lessons we learn from Your Word in Acts 6. We thank You for the example of the early church and their willingness to adapt and grow in the face of challenges. Lord, grant us the wisdom to prioritize our ministries, focusing on what is most important while also addressing the practical needs of our communities.

We pray for unity within our churches, asking that You would help us to value and celebrate the diversity of gifts and backgrounds among Your people. Give us discernment in selecting and empowering leaders who are full of faith and wisdom.

Father, we ask for courage to proclaim Your truth boldly, even in the face of opposition. May we, like Stephen, be filled with Your grace and power as we bear witness to the gospel. Grant us the strength to stand firm in our faith, trusting in Your presence and guidance in all circumstances.

Lord, help us to be attentive to both the spiritual and practical needs within our church communities. May we serve one another with love and compassion, always seeking to build up the body of Christ.

We pray that Your Word would continue to increase and spread, and that many would come to faith in Jesus Christ. May our lives and our service bring glory to Your name.

We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.