Acts 6

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.

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.

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.

But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”

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,

whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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.

Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

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.

They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,

and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

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.”

All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview. This chapter records a critical moment in the early church’s life as it grows in size and structure, facing both internal administrative challenges and external opposition. It describes the appointment of seven deacons to oversee the fair distribution of food to widows, preserving the apostolic focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, and introduces Stephen, a man full of the Spirit who performs miracles and becomes the first Christian martyr after being accused of blasphemy.

Flow.

A dispute arises between Greek-speaking (Hellenist) and Hebrew-speaking Jewish believers over the care of widows, prompting the apostles to address the issue.
The apostles direct the community to choose seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to handle practical service so the apostles can remain devoted to prayer and preaching.
The congregation selects seven, including Stephen and Philip; they are commissioned by prayer and the laying on of hands.
The church continues to grow, and Stephen, marked by divine power and wisdom, engages Jewish leaders in debate until accusations lead to his arrest and appearance before the council.

Connections. Following chapter 5, where the apostles continue preaching and facing opposition from Jewish leaders, chapter 6 shows the church adapting to new internal challenges while still advancing in growth and mission. The expansion of leadership to include the seven reflects the Spirit’s guidance in sustaining unity and order. The rising opposition against Stephen sets the stage for the more intense persecution and gospel expansion beyond Jerusalem that chapter 7 takes up, particularly through Stephen’s defense and martyrdom.

What it teaches. The church must maintain both spiritual priorities and practical righteousness in its life together. The separation of service (diakonia) and teaching roles allows the apostolic ministry to flourish while ensuring justice for marginalized members (WCF 26.2; HC LD 31). The choice of leaders by the congregation, confirmed by apostolic prayer and laying on of hands, reflects proper church order (WCF 30.2). Stephen’s fullness of the Spirit, wisdom, and miraculous works () confirm the continuation of Christ’s power in his people (WCF 18.4; HC LD 12), and his angelic appearance before the council evokes divine glory (cf. Ex. 34:29–35), signaling God’s presence even amid false accusation.

Apply. The Spirit enables faithful service and bold witness even when conflict arises from within and persecution draws near from without.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.