ScriptureDepth's study of Acts 6
“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.”
Acts 6:7
The apostles report to the disciples that 'the word of God increased' through the appointment of new leaders, which leads to a significant growth in the community in Jerusalem.
What Acts 6 is about
A complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews. Their widows were neglected in the daily service (vv. 1-2). The twelve apostles called the disciples and said it was not right to leave God's word to serve tables. They asked the people to choose seven men with good reputations and filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom (vv. 3-4). The multitude was pleased with this. They chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. The apostles prayed and laid hands on them (vv. 5-7). Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs (v. 8). Some men from the synagogue argued with him, but they could not resist his wisdom and Spirit (vv. 9-10). They secretly persuaded others to falsely accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and God (vv. 11-14). The council saw Stephen’s face like that of an angel (v. 15).
Stephen's witness and the growing conflict set the stage for deeper struggles within the early church.
Acts 6 at a glance
- Acts 6:1–2Internal Dispute Arises
- Acts 6:3–4Selection of New Leaders
- Acts 6:5–7Appointment of the Seven
- Acts 6:8–10Stephen's Ministry
- Acts 6:11–14False Accusations Against Stephen
- Acts 6:15Stephen's Angelic Countenance
Key verse: Acts 6:7
One thing to notice
Stephen's ministry is marked by signs and wonders, leading to conflict with various groups. In verse 8, it states he was 'full of faith and power' while performing great wonders. His extraordinary capability draws attention and ultimately leads to the false accusations against him in verses 11-14.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Acts 6 (WEB)
Internal Dispute Arises Acts 6:1–2
1Verse 1. Now 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. 2Verse 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.
Selection of New Leaders Acts 6:3–4
3Verse 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. 4Verse 4. But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
Appointment of the Seven Acts 6:5–7
5Verse 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; 6Verse 6. whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7Verse 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.
Stephen's Ministry Acts 6:8–10
8Verse 8. Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9Verse 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. 10Verse 10. They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
False Accusations Against Stephen Acts 6:11–14
11Verse 11. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12Verse 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, 13Verse 13. and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 14Verse 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.”
Stephen's Angelic Countenance Acts 6:15
15Verse 15. All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Acts 6
Community and Service
In Acts 6:1-2, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily service. This internal dispute highlights the community's need for equitable service among its members. The apostles recognized the issue and sought a solution that would allow them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, thereby maintaining the balance between community needs and spiritual leadership.
Leadership and Administration
Acts 6:3-4 describes the apostles instructing the disciples to select seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This action addresses the internal dispute arising from community concerns, as the apostles recognize the need for effective administration. By appointing these leaders, the apostles maintain their focus on spiritual matters while delegating practical responsibilities, which supports the church's growth.
Faith and the Holy Spirit
In verse 5, Stephen is described as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. This character qualification indicates that spiritual attributes were essential in selecting leaders for service. Furthermore, verse 8 states that Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people, showcasing how his faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit were vital for impactful ministry within the community.
Opposition and Witness
Acts 6:11-14 recounts how false witnesses were brought against Stephen, accusing him of blasphemous words. This passage details the opposition that early Christians encountered when proclaiming their faith. The council's hostile reaction to Stephen's ministry highlights the challenges faced by those witnessing to Jesus, particularly when his message challenges established norms.
Chapter outline
How Acts 6 unfolds
Acts 6:1–2 Internal Dispute Arises
A complaint arises among the Hellenists concerning the neglect of their widows in the daily service (v. 1). The twelve apostles respond by asserting it is not appropriate for them to neglect the word of God (v. 2).
Acts 6:3–4 Selection of New Leaders
The apostles instruct the disciples to select seven men with good character and spiritual wisdom to oversee the distribution of food (v. 3). This decision allows the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (v. 4).
Acts 6:5–7 Appointment of the Seven
The multitude agrees with the proposal and chooses seven men, including Stephen and Philip, whom they set before the apostles (v. 5). The apostles pray and lay hands on them, appointing them to their roles (v. 6).
Acts 6:8–10 Stephen's Ministry
Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people (v. 8). His ministry leads to disputes with those from the synagogue of the Libertines and others who could not withstand his wisdom (vv. 9-10).
Acts 6:11–14 False Accusations Against Stephen
Some men were secretly induced to say, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God' (v. 11). They stirred up the people and set up false witnesses who accused him of speaking against the holy place and the law (vv. 12-14).
Acts 6:15 Stephen's Angelic Countenance
All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel (v. 15). This unusual appearance occurs amid the hostile environment of his trial.
Key verses
Acts 6:7The apostles report to the disciples that 'the word of God increased' through the appointment of new leaders, which leads to a significant growth in the community in Jerusalem.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Acts 6
- observeIn v1, what complaint arises among the Hellenists against the Hebrews?
- observeWhat qualities are the apostles looking for in the men chosen in v3?
- interpretIn vv. 13-14, what accusations are made against Stephen regarding Moses and the law?
- interpretWhy do the members of the council see Stephen's face as like that of an angel in v15?
- applyWhen have you felt overlooked or neglected in a community situation like the widows in v1?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Acts 6
- Acts 1Acts 6:8 and Acts 1:8Both receive power: Acts 6:8 says Stephen performed wonders, while Acts 1:8 promises power from the Holy Spirit for witnesses.
- Acts 2Acts 6:4 and Acts 2:42Both continue steadfastly: Acts 6:4 mentions prayer and ministry, while Acts 2:42 describes teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
- 2 Timothy 1Acts 6:8 and 2 Timothy 1:7Both are full of power: Acts 6:8 describes Stephen’s wonders, while 2 Timothy 1:7 speaks of God’s spirit of power.
- Acts 21Acts 6:5 and Acts 21:8Both mention Stephen: Acts 6:5 identifies him as full of faith, while Acts 21:8 depicts Philip as one of the seven.
- 1 Timothy 4Acts 6:4 and 1 Timothy 4:13Both focus on ministry: Acts 6:4 mentions prayer and ministry, while 1 Timothy 4:13 urges attention to teaching and exhortation.
- Acts 13Acts 6:6 and Acts 13:3Both involve prayer and laying on of hands: Acts 6:6 has the apostles praying, while Acts 13:3 shows sending away after prayer.
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