# Overview Acts Chapter 6 marks a significant moment in the early #Christian church, highlighting the growth and organizational challenges faced by the #apostles. As the number of disciples increased, a dispute arose between the #Hellenistic Jews and the #Hebraic Jews regarding the daily distribution of food to widows. This issue prompted the apostles to call a meeting of all the disciples, emphasizing that their primary responsibility was to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, rather than the distribution of food. To address this need, they proposed selecting seven men full of the #HolySpirit and wisdom to oversee this task. This proposal pleased the group, and they chose #Stephen, #Philip, #Prochorus, #Nicanor, #Timon, #Parmenas, and #Nicolas from #Antioch, a convert to Judaism. These men were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them, effectively ordaining them into service. The chapter also introduces #Stephen as a central figure, describing him as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His ministry was marked by signs and wonders among the people, leading to opposition from members of the #Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. Unable to withstand the wisdom and spirit with which Stephen spoke, they resorted to false accusations, claiming he spoke blasphemous words against #Moses and #God. This led to Stephen's arrest and brought before the #Sanhedrin. In the face of false testimonies, those who sat in the council saw that Stephen's face shone like that of an angel, setting the stage for his powerful defense in the subsequent chapter. This chapter underscores the themes of growth, service, and the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church, as well as the emerging opposition from Jewish leaders. ## Theological Insights Acts 6 highlights the development and organization of the early #Church, revealing how the #HolySpirit guides believers in addressing practical challenges while staying true to their spiritual mission. The chapter begins with the issue of distribution among the #Hellenistic and #Hebraic widows, demonstrating the importance of unity and justice within the community of believers. The appointment of the seven, including #Stephen and #Philip, illustrates the early Church's commitment to both service and the proclamation of the #Gospel. The apostles' decision to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4) emphasizes the priority of spiritual leadership and the proclamation of the #WordOfGod. This division of labor within the body of Christ aligns with the biblical understanding of diverse spiritual gifts and functions as seen in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12]] and [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12]]. The selection of the seven, full of the Spirit and wisdom, reflects the biblical principle that leadership in the Church is based on spiritual qualifications. #Stephen's introduction as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) sets the stage for his significant role in the unfolding narrative of Acts. His faithfulness and empowerment by the Holy Spirit underline the book's theme of bold witness for Christ, echoing the apostolic witness described in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1|Acts 1:8]]. The growth of the word of God and the increase in the number of disciples (Acts 6:7) indicate the divine blessing on the Church's faithful adherence to its mission. Even a great number of priests become obedient to the faith, showcasing the transformative power of the #Gospel and the breaking down of barriers, as foreshadowed in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2]]. The opposition that Stephen faces (Acts 6:9-15) introduces the theme of suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ, a recurring motif in Acts and throughout the New Testament. Stephen's wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke are reminiscent of Jesus' promise in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 21]] that His followers would be given words and wisdom that adversaries could not resist. Overall, Acts Chapter 6 reveals the Church's early struggles and triumphs, underscoring the necessity of reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, empowerment, and witness in the face of both internal and external challenges. ## Thematic Connections ### The Role of the Holy Spirit in Church Leadership In Acts 6, we observe the selection of seven men full of the #HolySpirit to serve the needs of the church, emphasizing the importance of spiritual qualities in leadership. This theme is consistent with the selection of leaders who are guided by the Spirit, as seen in the appointment of [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 11|the seventy elders]] to assist #Moses, and the anointing of #David by the Spirit in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]]. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the source of wisdom and guidance in fulfilling God's purposes. ### Unity and Diversity within the Body of Christ The early church faced a cultural and linguistic challenge when the Hellenistic Jews felt their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The appointment of leaders to address this issue reflects the theme of unity and diversity within the Body of Christ, as echoed in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12]], where diverse gifts and roles are unified by the same Spirit for the common good. This theme underscores the need for inclusivity and equitable treatment within the church community. ### The Ministry of the Word and Service Acts 6 highlights the dual focus on preaching the Word and serving the community. The apostles prioritized prayer and the ministry of the Word, while appointing others to handle practical needs. This balance is reminiscent of the instruction in [[James/James Chapter 2]] that faith without works is dead, and the example of [[Luke/Luke Chapter 10|Martha and Mary]], where both listening to Jesus and serving are valued. This thematic connection emphasizes the complementary roles of Word and deed in Christian ministry. ### The Persecution and Growth of the Church As the church grows, opposition arises, particularly against #Stephen, one of the seven chosen men. This theme of persecution leading to growth is recurrent throughout Acts, beginning with the apostles' earlier experiences in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 4]]. The suffering of believers often results in the further spread of the Gospel, aligning with Jesus' teachings in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|the Beatitudes]], where those persecuted for righteousness are blessed. This theme reinforces the notion that trials can lead to greater expansion and strengthening of faith. ### Spiritual Wisdom and Resilience Stephen is described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit, performing great wonders and signs among the people. His wisdom confounds those who oppose him, a theme that echoes the wisdom granted to #Solomon in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]], and the resilience shown by #Daniel and his friends in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 1|Babylon]]. Stephen's example illustrates how spiritual wisdom, coupled with resilience, enables believers to stand firm amidst opposition and to testify boldly to the truth. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Expansion of the Gospel Acts 6 introduces the selection and appointment of the seven deacons, including #Stephen, to address the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish believers. This event marks a significant moment in the early church, fulfilling the prophecy of the expansion of the Gospel to all nations. In the Old Testament, prophecies such as those found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 49|Isaiah 49:6]] foretell that God’s salvation would reach "to the ends of the earth." The appointment of Greek-speaking deacons serves as a precursor to the broader mission to the Gentiles, showing the early fulfillment of this prophetic vision as the church begins to address the diverse needs of its members. ### Wisdom and Spirit-Filled Leadership Stephen, one of the seven chosen, is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, reminiscent of the prophecy in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2:28-29]], which speaks of God pouring out His Spirit on all people. This outpouring is seen in the wisdom and grace with which Stephen speaks, fulfilling the promise that God’s people would be empowered by the Spirit to prophesy and lead with divine insight. Stephen's wisdom and spirit-filled leadership echo the transformative work of the Spirit promised in the Old Testament and realized in the early church. ### The Rejection of God’s Messengers As Stephen faces opposition from the Sanhedrin, it reflects the recurring theme in the Old Testament where prophets and messengers of God are rejected by the people, as seen in passages like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 7|Jeremiah 7:25-26]]. This rejection fulfills the prophetic pattern established throughout scripture, where those sent by God often face resistance and hostility. Stephen's trial and eventual martyrdom, which is detailed further in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 7]], highlight the continuity of this prophetic fulfillment in the New Testament narrative. ### The Foundation for Gentile Inclusion The appointment of Hellenistic Jews to leadership roles in the early church sets the stage for the inclusion of Gentiles, fulfilling prophecies of a unified people of God. Passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 56|Isaiah 56:6-8]] foretell the inclusion of foreigners in God’s covenant community. The events of Acts 6 demonstrate the early church’s movement toward embracing a diverse body of believers, foreshadowing the later missions to the Gentiles that will be prominent in the book of Acts. This inclusion signifies the breaking down of barriers and the fulfillment of God’s promise to gather all nations under His kingdom. ## Verses - **Acts 6:1** - "But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food." - Note: This verse addresses the early church's growth and the emerging conflicts among believers. Refer to [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]] for the initial coming together of believers. - **Acts 6:2** - "So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, 'We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.'" - Note: The apostles prioritize their roles as teachers. See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 4]] where the apostles focus on prayer and teaching. - **Acts 6:3** - "And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility." - Note: The early church's method for selecting leaders. Compare to qualifications for leaders in [[1 Timothy/1 Timothy Chapter 3]]. - **Acts 6:4** - "Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." - Note: Emphasizes the importance of prayer and teaching in the apostles' ministry. - **Acts 6:5** - "Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch, an earlier convert to the Jewish faith." - Note: Introduction of Stephen, who will play a significant role in the following chapters. See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 7]]. - **Acts 6:6** - "These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them." - Note: The laying on of hands as a form of commissioning. Similar to [[1 Timothy/1 Timothy Chapter 4]]. - **Acts 6:7** - "So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too." - Note: Highlights the positive effect of resolving internal conflicts. Refer to the growth of the church in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]. - **Acts 6:8** - "Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people." - Note: Stephen's ministry is reminiscent of the apostles' work in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 5]]. - **Acts 6:9** - "But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia." - Note: The Synagogue of Freed Slaves is a group of Jewish diaspora. See also tensions in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 15]]. - **Acts 6:10** - "None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke." - Note: The Holy Spirit empowers Stephen's speech, similar to Peter's speech in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]. - **Acts 6:11** - "So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, 'We heard him blaspheme Moses and even God.'" - Note: False testimony against Stephen, reminiscent of false accusations against Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 26]]. - **Acts 6:12** - "This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council." - Note: Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin, similar to Peter and John in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 4]]. - **Acts 6:13** - "The lying witnesses said, 'This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses.'" - Note: Accusations against Stephen echo those against Jesus in [[John/John Chapter 2]]. - **Acts 6:14** - "We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us." - Note: Reflects misunderstandings of Jesus' teachings. See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 24]]. - **Acts 6:15** - "At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s." - Note: Stephen's appearance is reminiscent of Moses' radiant face in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 34]].