*Acts 6:1-15
To address growing tension within the early church, the apostles appoint seven deacons to care for widows.
- The Appointment of the Seven:
- As the number of disciples increases, a complaint arises from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
- The Twelve apostles gather the community of disciples and suggest appointing seven men from among them who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to oversee this task.
- They propose that this will allow the apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word without being distracted by the daily administration.
- The proposal pleases the whole group, and they choose Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
- These men are presented to the apostles, who pray and lay their hands on them, formally commissioning them for their new roles.
- Stephen’s Ministry and Arrest:
- Stephen, full of God’s grace and power, performs great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
- Members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (including Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia) begin to argue with Stephen.
- Unable to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he speaks, they secretly persuade some men to say that they have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.
- They stir up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the law; Stephen is seized and brought before the Sanhedrin.
- False witnesses testify that Stephen never stops speaking against the holy place (the Temple) and the law, claiming that they have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the place and change the customs Moses handed down.
- At the close of the chapter, all who sit in the Sanhedrin look intently at Stephen and see his face as if it were the face of an angel, suggesting his innocence and divine favor even in the face of accusations.
Acts 6:1-15 teaches us the importance of serving others and staying faithful to God. When the early church faced a problem with food distribution, they wisely appointed trustworthy people to help, allowing the apostles to focus on teaching. Stephen, one of these servants, remained faithful even when facing false accusations. We can apply this by looking for ways to serve those in need and using our gifts to help others. Like Stephen, we should stay strong in our faith, even when others misunderstand or oppose us, trusting that God sees our hearts and will give us strength.
Acts 6:1-15 (WEB)
6:1 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. 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. 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. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”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, 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.7 The 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.8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 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. 10 They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council, 13 and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 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.” 15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.