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Acts 6

World English Bible

WEB

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 greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. 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, then 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, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Acts Chapter 6 presents a pivotal moment in the early church as it addresses the growing needs of the community. The chapter begins with a complaint arising among the #Hellenistic Jews against the #Hebraic Jews, as their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This situation highlights the challenges of unity and fairness within the diverse body of believers. In response, the apostles recognize the need for a solution that allows them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, leading them to propose the selection of seven men to oversee this important task.

The church is instructed to choose men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. The congregation selects seven individuals, including #Stephen, who is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and #Philip. The apostles lay hands on them, commissioning them for this service. This act not only resolves the immediate issue but also demonstrates the importance of delegation and the empowerment of others in ministry. The chapter concludes with the word of God spreading, and the number of disciples increasing rapidly, including many priests who were obedient to the faith. This growth signifies the effectiveness of the church's response to challenges and the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the early church.

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Referenced by

  1. Exodus 18:17-18v1Exodus 18:17-18 shows Jethro advising Moses to delegate responsibilities, a principle echoed in Acts 6:1-4 where the apostles appoint deacons to manage tasks, allowing them to focus on prayer and ministry.
  2. Numbers 11:17v3God instructs Moses to appoint seventy elders to help bear the burden of leadership, paralleling the appointment of deacons in Acts 6:3 to assist the apostles.
  3. Acts 21:28v13The accusation against Paul in Acts 21:28 of speaking against the law and the temple is similar to the charges brought against Stephen in Acts 6:13-14.
  4. 1 Timothy 3:8-13v31 Timothy 3:8-13 outlines the qualifications for deacons, which is similar to Acts 6:3 where the apostles instruct the selection of men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to serve the church.

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