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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