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Acts 6

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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 multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 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, and 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.

World English Bible (public domain)

“"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."”

Acts 6:7

Summary

In Acts chapter 6, the early Christian community faces internal challenges and external opposition. As the number of disciples continues to increase, a dispute arises between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews. The Hellenists feel their widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. In response, the twelve apostles propose the selection of seven men full of faith and the Holy Spirit to oversee this task, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. Stephen, one of the seven, is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. The selection of these leaders demonstrates the early Church's commitment to justice and equitable care within the community. This event emphasizes the importance of wise administration in the practical matters of the Church, while also ensuring that spiritual leadership and teaching remain central. The story also foregrounds the role of service in the Church's mission. The chapter closes with Stephen, one of the seven, facing opposition from various Jewish groups. They cannot withstand his wisdom and the Spirit with which he speaks, prompting malicious accusations against him. This results in Stephen being seized and brought before the Sanhedrin. As he stands accused, Stephen's face is described to appear like that of an angel, suggesting divine favor and presence.

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Chapter outline

How Acts 6 unfolds

  1. Acts 6:1–2 Internal Dispute Arises

    As the number of disciples grows, Hellenists complain of neglect in food distribution to their widows, prompting the apostles to address this issue.

  2. Acts 6:3–4 Selection of New Leaders

    The apostles instruct the community to choose seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to manage the daily service, allowing them to focus on prayer.

  3. Acts 6:5–7 Appointment of the Seven

    The community selects Stephen, Philip, and five others, who are presented to the apostles, prayed over, and appointed to their roles.

  4. Acts 6:8–10 Stephen's Ministry

    Stephen performs wonders and signs, but he faces opposition from various Jewish groups who cannot counter his wisdom and the Holy Spirit.

  5. Acts 6:11–14 False Accusations Against Stephen

    Opponents incite false witnesses to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and the temple, stirring up the council against him.

  6. Acts 6:15 Stephen's Angelic Countenance

    As Stephen stands accused before the council, his face appears like that of an angel, indicating divine favor amidst opposition.

Key verses

  • Acts 6:7Acts 6:7 encapsulates the chapter's focus on the growth of the Church, highlighting the effectiveness of leadership and community service.

Main themes in Acts 6

Community and Service

In Acts 6, the neglect of widows within the community emerges in verse 1, revealing a critical need for equitable service. The subsequent appointment of seven men to manage this responsibility, noted in verses 3-5, underscores the Church's commitment to justice, care, and inclusivity. This theme illustrates that effective community service is not merely a task but a vital expression of the Church's mission and integral to its growth and unity.

Leadership and Administration

The apostles’ decision to delegate tasks illustrates the importance of effective leadership and administration in the early Church (verses 2-4). This chapter complicates the understanding of authority by showing that spiritual leaders must also ensure practical needs are met. It reflects a model for church governance that balances spiritual oversight with community welfare.

Faith and the Holy Spirit

Stephen is described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit, which empowers his ministry and signs (verse 8). His ability to withstand opposition demonstrates the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and sustaining believers. This theme reveals how faith and divine presence are vital for effective witness in challenging circumstances.

Opposition and Witness

Stephen encounters significant opposition from various Jewish factions, as detailed in verses 9-14, where they challenge his teachings and accuse him of blasphemy. This conflict brings to light the struggles between the early Church's revolutionary message and the established religious authorities of the time. Through this opposition, the chapter emphasizes how adversity can serve as a backdrop for the powerful witness of believers, showcasing their resilience and steadfastness in faith.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Acts 6

Study questions

Questions for studying Acts 6

  1. What complaint arises among the disciples in Acts 6?
  2. Who are the seven men chosen to serve the community?
  3. What roles do the apostles emphasize in their ministry?
  4. How does Stephen's ministry attract opposition from other groups?
  5. What were the specific accusations made against Stephen?
  6. Why is Stephen's appearance described as that of an angel?

Acts 6: frequently asked questions

What is Acts 6 about?+
In Acts chapter 6, the early Christian community faces internal challenges and external opposition. As the number of disciples continues to increase, a dispute arises between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews. The Hellenists feel their widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. In response, the twelve apostles propose the selection of seven men full of faith and the Holy Spirit to oversee this task, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. Stephen, one of the seven, is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. The selection of these leaders demonstrates the early Church's commitment to justice and equitable care within the community. This event emphasizes the importance of wise administration in the practical matters of the Church, while also ensuring that spiritual leadership and teaching remain central. The story also foregrounds the role of service in the Church's mission. The chapter closes with Stephen, one of the seven, facing opposition from various Jewish groups. They cannot withstand his wisdom and the Spirit with which he speaks, prompting malicious accusations against him. This results in Stephen being seized and brought before the Sanhedrin. As he stands accused, Stephen's face is described to appear like that of an angel, suggesting divine favor and presence.
What is the key verse in Acts 6?+
Acts 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."
What are the main themes of Acts 6?+
The main themes of Acts 6 are Community and Service, Leadership and Administration, Faith and the Holy Spirit, Opposition and Witness.

Related chapters

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Study Notes

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