History · Chapter 6 of 28

Acts 6

As disciples multiply, the Grecian widows are overlooked in daily distribution. The apostles appoint seven Spirit-filled men, including Stephen, to serve tables so they can devote themselves to prayer and the word. The word spreads and many priests believe. Stephen works wonders, but opponents cannot resist his wisdom, so they suborn false witnesses and seize him; the council sees his face as the face of an angel.

What happens in Acts 6

As the disciples multiply, the Greek-speaking believers complain that their widows are neglected in the daily distribution of food. The twelve gather the community and explain that they should not leave the ministry of the word to serve tables. They ask the people to choose seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, while the apostles devote themselves to prayer and the word. The people choose Stephen and six others, who are set before the apostles, prayed over, and commissioned by the laying on of hands.

The word of God increases, disciples multiply in Jerusalem, and many priests become obedient to the faith. Stephen, full of faith and power, does great wonders. Opponents from the synagogues dispute with him but cannot resist his wisdom, so they suborn false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and the temple, and seize him. Before the council, all see his face as the face of an angel.

Acts 6 in context

Acts 6 marks a turning point as the church addresses internal need and prepares for wider mission. The appointment of the seven, often seen as the origin of servant leadership in the church, resolves a cultural tension between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews.

Stephen emerges as the first great witness beyond the apostles, whose bold preaching provokes the opposition that leads to his martyrdom in the next chapter. The chapter shows the word advancing through both wise organization and Spirit-filled testimony.

Main themes of Acts 6

Acts 6 (KJV)

1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Verses to carry from Acts 6

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”Acts 6:4

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”Acts 6:7

“And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”Acts 6:15

Reflection

The church grew when needs were met and the word was kept central, and when ordinary people served with Spirit-filled character. Which are you tempted to neglect, quiet service or the ministry of the word? Ask God for both, and for a face, like Stephen's, at peace even when falsely opposed.

A prayer from Acts 6