In those days when the disciples were increasing in number
This phrase indicates a period of rapid growth for the early Christian church. The term "disciples" refers to the followers of Jesus who were committed to His teachings. This growth is a fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be His witnesses in Jerusalem and beyond. The increase in numbers can be attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4, where thousands were added to the church. This growth also reflects the effectiveness of the apostles' preaching and the communal life of the believers.

the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews
The Grecian Jews, or Hellenists, were Jews who spoke Greek and had adopted some aspects of Greek culture. They were likely from the Diaspora, living outside of Judea and returning to Jerusalem. The Hebraic Jews were native to Judea and spoke Aramaic or Hebrew. This distinction highlights cultural and linguistic differences within the early church, which could lead to misunderstandings and tensions. The grumbling indicates a complaint or murmuring, a term used in the Old Testament to describe the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness (Exodus 16:7-8).

because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food
Widows in the ancient world were often vulnerable and dependent on community support, as they had limited means to provide for themselves. The early church took on the responsibility of caring for widows, reflecting the biblical mandate to care for the needy (Deuteronomy 10:18, James 1:27). The "daily distribution" refers to the communal sharing of resources, a practice established in Acts 2:44-45. The oversight of the Grecian widows suggests an administrative challenge in the growing church, necessitating a solution to ensure equitable care for all members. This situation sets the stage for the appointment of the seven deacons in Acts 6:3-6, demonstrating the church's commitment to justice and unity.

So the Twelve summoned all the disciples
The "Twelve" refers to the apostles, the foundational leaders of the early Church, chosen by Jesus Christ. This gathering of disciples indicates a significant moment in the early Church, highlighting the importance of communal decision-making. The apostles' leadership role is emphasized, showing their responsibility in guiding the Church. This event takes place in Jerusalem, the center of early Christian activity, where the Church was rapidly growing. The summoning of all disciples suggests a large and diverse group, reflecting the expanding nature of the early Christian community.

and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God
The "word of God" here refers to the teachings of Jesus and the message of the Gospel. The apostles prioritize their primary mission of preaching and teaching, which is central to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This phrase underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the dissemination of the Gospel as the core mission of the Church. The apostles recognize that their calling is to focus on spiritual matters, ensuring that the message of salvation is not compromised or overshadowed by other duties.

in order to wait on tables.
"Wait on tables" refers to the practical service of distributing food and resources, likely to the widows and needy within the community, as mentioned earlier in Acts 6:1. This phrase highlights the practical needs of the early Church and the necessity of organizing community care. The apostles' decision to delegate this responsibility leads to the appointment of the first deacons, as seen in the subsequent verses. This division of labor allows the apostles to maintain their focus on spiritual leadership while ensuring that the physical needs of the community are met, reflecting the body of Christ's diverse functions (1 Corinthians 12:4-31).

Therefore, brothers,
The term "brothers" indicates the close-knit community of believers in the early church, emphasizing their shared faith and familial bond in Christ. This reflects the Jewish custom of addressing fellow believers as "brothers," highlighting unity and mutual responsibility. The use of "therefore" connects this instruction to the preceding issue of neglect in the daily distribution to widows, showing a direct response to a practical need within the community.

select from among you
The instruction to "select from among you" underscores the importance of community involvement in decision-making. It reflects the democratic process within the early church, where the congregation had a role in choosing leaders. This method ensured that those chosen were well-known and respected by the community, fostering trust and accountability.

seven men
The choice of "seven men" may have cultural and practical significance. In Jewish tradition, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Additionally, seven was a common number for councils or committees in Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, suggesting a structured and organized approach to leadership. This selection was likely influenced by the need for a manageable group to oversee the specific task of fair distribution.

confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
The requirement for the men to be "full of the Spirit and wisdom" highlights the spiritual and practical qualifications necessary for leadership. Being "full of the Spirit" indicates a life led by the Holy Spirit, marked by spiritual maturity and integrity. "Wisdom" refers to practical insight and the ability to make sound decisions, essential for managing the church's resources and addressing the needs of the community. This mirrors the qualities seen in leaders throughout Scripture, such as Joseph and Daniel, who were known for their wisdom and divine guidance.

We will assign this responsibility to them
The apostles' decision to "assign this responsibility to them" demonstrates the delegation of duties within the church, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This division of labor reflects the body of Christ's diverse gifts and roles, as described in 1 Corinthians 12. It also sets a precedent for church governance, where different members are entrusted with specific tasks according to their gifts and calling.

and will devote ourselves
The apostles are emphasizing their commitment to a specific calling. In the early church, the apostles were responsible for spiritual leadership and guidance. This phrase highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual duties over administrative tasks. The Greek word for "devote" implies a steadfast and continuous dedication, suggesting that their focus is unwavering and intentional.

to prayer
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the apostles' ministry, reflecting their dependence on God for guidance, strength, and wisdom. In the Jewish tradition, prayer was a central part of daily life, and the early Christians continued this practice. The apostles' commitment to prayer underscores its importance in maintaining a close relationship with God and seeking His will. This dedication to prayer is echoed in other scriptures, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which encourages believers to "pray without ceasing."

and to the ministry of the word.
The "ministry of the word" refers to the teaching and preaching of the Gospel. The apostles were tasked with spreading the message of Jesus Christ and ensuring that the early church was grounded in sound doctrine. This phrase indicates the priority of teaching and evangelism in their ministry. The "word" here is the message of salvation through Jesus, as seen in John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word. The apostles' focus on the ministry of the word aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations.

This proposal pleased the whole group.
The early church was facing internal challenges, particularly regarding the distribution of food to widows. The proposal to appoint seven men to oversee this task was met with approval, indicating unity and consensus among the believers. This reflects the early church's commitment to communal harmony and practical solutions to maintain peace and order.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,
Stephen is highlighted as a man of exceptional spiritual character, filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. This description sets the stage for his later role as the first Christian martyr (Acts 7). His faith and spiritual fullness are reminiscent of the qualities seen in leaders throughout Scripture, such as Moses and David, who were also chosen for their deep relationship with God.

as well as Philip,
Philip later becomes an evangelist, known for his role in spreading the Gospel to Samaria and his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). His selection here foreshadows his significant contributions to the early church's mission and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries.

Prochorus,
Little is known about Prochorus, but tradition holds that he may have been a companion of John the Apostle and possibly the author of the Gospel of John. His inclusion signifies the diverse backgrounds and potential future roles of these early church leaders.

Nicanor,
Nicanor's name is Greek, suggesting that he, like the others, was likely a Hellenistic Jew. This reflects the church's inclusivity and the importance of addressing the needs of Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, which was a central issue leading to the appointment of these seven men.

Timon,
Timon, like the others, was chosen to help bridge the cultural and linguistic divide within the early church. His role underscores the importance of service and administration in the church's mission, ensuring that practical needs were met alongside spiritual growth.

Parmenas,
Parmenas is another of the seven chosen to serve. His selection highlights the church's emphasis on character and reputation, as these men were chosen for their ability to manage the church's resources wisely and fairly.

and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
Nicolas is noted as a proselyte from Antioch, indicating he was a Gentile who converted to Judaism before becoming a Christian. This detail emphasizes the early church's diversity and the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers, aligning with the broader biblical theme of the Gospel being for all nations. Antioch later becomes a significant center for early Christianity, further highlighting Nicolas's importance in the church's expansion.

They presented these seven to the apostles
In the early church, the selection of the seven men was a response to a practical need within the community, specifically the fair distribution of food to widows. This act of presenting them to the apostles signifies the importance of leadership and accountability in the church. The number seven is often seen as a number of completeness or perfection in the Bible, reflecting the thoroughness of the apostles' decision. The apostles, as the leaders of the early church, were responsible for ensuring that the community's needs were met in a manner consistent with the teachings of Jesus.

who prayed
Prayer was a foundational practice in the early church, reflecting dependence on God for guidance and blessing. The apostles' prayer before appointing the seven men underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom and approval in leadership decisions. This practice is consistent with other instances in Scripture where prayer precedes significant decisions or actions, such as Jesus praying before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13).

and laid their hands on them
The laying on of hands is a symbolic act with roots in the Old Testament, often associated with the transfer of authority or blessing (Numbers 27:18-23). In the New Testament, it is used in various contexts, including healing, imparting the Holy Spirit, and commissioning individuals for specific tasks. Here, it signifies the apostles' endorsement and empowerment of the seven men for their new role. This act also reflects the continuity of God's work through His chosen leaders, as seen in the commissioning of Joshua by Moses.

So the word of God continued to spread.
The early church experienced significant growth as the apostles preached the gospel. This phrase indicates the dynamic and unstoppable nature of God's word, echoing Isaiah 55:11, which promises that God's word will not return void. The spread of the word signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses in Jerusalem and beyond. The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles, leading to the rapid dissemination of the gospel message.

The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly,
Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious life, was where the church began. The rapid growth of disciples highlights the effectiveness of the apostles' ministry and the work of the Holy Spirit. This growth fulfills the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 about the outpouring of the Spirit. The term "disciples" refers to those who followed the teachings of Jesus, indicating a deep commitment to the new faith. The growth also reflects the communal life and witness of the early believers as described in Acts 2:42-47.

and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
The conversion of priests is significant, as they were part of the religious establishment often resistant to Jesus' message. Their obedience to the faith suggests a recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This shift among the priests may have been influenced by the apostles' teaching and the miracles performed, which validated the message of Jesus as the Christ. The priests' conversion also underscores the power of the gospel to transcend social and religious barriers, as seen in Galatians 3:28.

Now Stephen
Stephen is introduced as one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church (Acts 6:5). His Greek name suggests he was a Hellenistic Jew, which means he was a Jew who spoke Greek and was likely influenced by Greek culture. This background is significant as it highlights the diversity within the early Christian community and the church's efforts to address the needs of all its members.

who was full of grace and power
The phrase "full of grace and power" indicates that Stephen was endowed with divine favor and spiritual strength. Grace here refers to the unmerited favor of God, which empowered Stephen to carry out his ministry effectively. The power mentioned is likely the power of the Holy Spirit, which was a common theme in Acts, as seen in Acts 1:8 where Jesus promises the disciples they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

was performing great wonders and signs
Stephen's ability to perform wonders and signs is reminiscent of the apostles' ministry, as seen in Acts 2:43 and 5:12. These miraculous acts served as divine validation of his message and ministry, demonstrating that God was working through him. This aligns with the biblical pattern where signs and wonders often accompany the proclamation of the Gospel to confirm its truth (Mark 16:20).

among the people
The phrase "among the people" suggests that Stephen's ministry was public and accessible, taking place within the community. This public nature of his ministry would have made him a prominent figure in the early church and a target for opposition, as seen in the subsequent verses where he faces resistance from certain Jewish groups. His ministry among the people reflects the early church's mission to reach out and engage with the broader society.

But resistance arose
This phrase indicates opposition to the early Christian movement, which was common as the apostles spread the message of Jesus. The resistance often came from Jewish leaders who felt threatened by the new teachings that challenged traditional Jewish beliefs and practices.

from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen
The Synagogue of the Freedmen likely consisted of Jews who were once slaves but had gained their freedom. These individuals may have been particularly zealous in their adherence to Jewish law, as they had a strong sense of identity and heritage to preserve. This synagogue was one of many in Jerusalem, serving as a place of worship and community for Jews from various regions.

including Cyrenians, Alexandrians
Cyrene was a city in North Africa, and Alexandria was a major city in Egypt. Both cities had significant Jewish populations. The mention of these groups highlights the diverse backgrounds of Jews in Jerusalem, reflecting the widespread dispersion of Jews throughout the Roman Empire. This diversity sometimes led to differing interpretations and practices within Judaism.

and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia
Cilicia and Asia were regions in what is now modern-day Turkey. The inclusion of these areas suggests that the synagogue was a gathering place for Hellenistic Jews, who were Greek-speaking and often more influenced by Greek culture. This cultural blend could lead to tensions with Hebraic Jews, who were more traditional.

They disputed with Stephen
Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church, known for his wisdom and filled with the Holy Spirit. The disputes likely centered around theological issues, such as the interpretation of the Law and the role of Jesus as the Messiah. Stephen's teachings, which emphasized Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and the prophets, would have been controversial to those who held strictly to traditional Jewish beliefs. This confrontation foreshadows Stephen's eventual martyrdom, as recorded later in Acts.

but they could not stand up to his wisdom
This phrase highlights the divine wisdom given to Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church. His wisdom is reminiscent of Solomon's, who was also endowed with divine wisdom (1 Kings 3:12). The inability of Stephen's opponents to counter his arguments underscores the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Luke 21:15, where He assured His followers that He would give them words and wisdom that none of their adversaries would be able to resist or contradict. This wisdom is not merely human intellect but is divinely inspired, reflecting the Holy Spirit's work in the early church.

or the Spirit by whom he spoke
The reference to "the Spirit" indicates the Holy Spirit's active role in empowering Stephen. This aligns with Acts 1:8, where Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower His disciples to be His witnesses. The Spirit's presence in Stephen's speech is a testament to the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-29) about the outpouring of the Spirit in the last days. The Holy Spirit's guidance is evident throughout Acts, as seen in the apostles' boldness and the miraculous signs accompanying their ministry. Stephen's speech, filled with the Spirit, serves as a type of Christ, who also spoke with authority and wisdom that confounded His opponents (Matthew 22:46).

Then they prompted some men to say
This phrase indicates a deliberate and deceitful action by certain individuals. The term "prompted" suggests that these men were incited or bribed to bear false witness, a violation of the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16). This reflects the corrupt practices of some religious leaders who were threatened by the early Christian movement. The act of prompting false witnesses is reminiscent of the trial of Jesus, where false testimony was also used (Matthew 26:59-61).

“We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy
Blasphemy, in Jewish law, was a serious accusation, often punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). The charge of blasphemy against Stephen is significant as it mirrors the accusations made against Jesus (Mark 14:64). This reflects the tension between the early Christians and the Jewish authorities, who saw the new teachings as a threat to their traditional beliefs and power structures.

against Moses
Moses is a central figure in Judaism, representing the Law and the covenant between God and Israel. Accusing Stephen of blasphemy against Moses suggests that he was perceived as challenging the Mosaic Law or its interpretation. This accusation highlights the early Christian message that Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) and the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 8:13).

and against God.”
Blasphemy against God is the ultimate religious offense, indicating that Stephen's teachings were seen as undermining the very foundation of Jewish faith. This accusation underscores the radical nature of the Christian message, which proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God's promises. The charge reflects the misunderstanding and fear of the religious leaders, who saw the new faith as a direct challenge to their authority and the established religious order.

So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes
This phrase indicates a deliberate incitement by Stephen's opponents. The "people" refers to the general populace of Jerusalem, who were often influenced by religious leaders. The "elders" were respected leaders within the Jewish community, often part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council. The "scribes" were experts in the Law of Moses, responsible for teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. This coalition against Stephen mirrors the opposition Jesus faced, as seen in Matthew 26:3-4, where similar groups conspired against Him. The act of stirring up suggests manipulation and deceit, tactics often used by those opposing God's messengers throughout biblical history.

and confronted Stephen.
Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve in Acts 6:5, was known for his wisdom and the Spirit's power. The confrontation indicates a direct challenge to his teachings and authority. This reflects a common pattern in Acts, where the early church leaders face opposition when preaching the gospel. The Greek term for "confronted" implies an aggressive and hostile encounter, suggesting that Stephen's message was perceived as a significant threat to the established religious order.

They seized him
The act of seizing Stephen shows the escalation from verbal confrontation to physical action. This mirrors the treatment of Jesus in the Gospels, where He was also seized by religious authorities (John 18:12). The use of force indicates the seriousness with which the religious leaders viewed Stephen's influence and the perceived threat to their authority. It also highlights the growing tension between the early Christian movement and traditional Jewish leadership.

and brought him before the Sanhedrin,
The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish court, consisting of 71 members, including the high priest, elders, and scribes. It held significant religious and political power in Jerusalem. Bringing Stephen before the Sanhedrin signifies the gravity of the accusations against him, as this was the same body that condemned Jesus (Mark 14:55-64). This setting underscores the continuity of opposition faced by Jesus' followers and the fulfillment of His prophecy that His disciples would be brought before councils (Mark 13:9). The Sanhedrin's involvement also highlights the tension between the nascent Christian faith and established Jewish traditions.

where they presented false witnesses
In the context of Acts 6, Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The act of presenting false witnesses echoes the trial of Jesus, where false testimony was also used (Matthew 26:59-61). This reflects a pattern of opposition faced by early Christians, as false witnesses were often used to discredit and accuse them unjustly. The commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) highlights the gravity of this sin, showing the moral corruption of those opposing Stephen.

who said, “This man never stops speaking
Stephen was known for his bold proclamation of the Gospel. His continuous speaking indicates his dedication and the persistent nature of his ministry. This phrase suggests that Stephen's message was consistent and unwavering, much like the apostles who were commanded to preach without ceasing (Acts 5:42). It also reflects the early church's commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ despite opposition.

against this holy place
The "holy place" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central symbol of Jewish worship and identity. Accusations against the temple were serious, as it was considered the dwelling place of God among His people. Stephen's teachings likely included the idea that Jesus had fulfilled the temple's purpose, a theme echoed in Jesus' own words about the destruction and rebuilding of the temple (John 2:19-21). This accusation reflects the tension between the old covenant centered on the temple and the new covenant established through Christ.

and against the law.
The law, or Torah, was foundational to Jewish life and religion. Accusations of speaking against the law were tantamount to blasphemy. Stephen, like Jesus, was accused of undermining the law, though he was actually pointing to its fulfillment in Christ (Matthew 5:17). This reflects the early church's struggle to articulate the relationship between the law and the Gospel, a theme Paul addresses extensively in his letters (Romans 3:31, Galatians 3:24-25). The accusation underscores the radical nature of the Gospel message and its challenge to traditional Jewish beliefs.

For we have heard him say
This phrase indicates the testimony of false witnesses against Stephen. In the context of Acts 6, Stephen is being accused by members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. The use of "we have heard" suggests a claim of direct witness, though it is likely a distortion or misinterpretation of Stephen's actual teachings. This reflects a common tactic used against early Christians, similar to the false testimonies brought against Jesus (Matthew 26:59-61).

that Jesus of Nazareth
Referring to Jesus as "of Nazareth" emphasizes His humble earthly origins, which was often used to question His authority and messianic claims (John 1:46). This title also connects Jesus to His human life and ministry, grounding the accusations in the historical figure known to the Jewish leaders and the people.

will destroy this place
"This place" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central symbol of Jewish religious life and identity. The accusation echoes Jesus' own words about the destruction of the temple (Mark 13:2), which were misunderstood as a literal threat rather than a prophetic statement about the new covenant and the eventual destruction of the temple in AD 70. This reflects the tension between the old covenant centered on the temple and the new covenant established through Jesus.

and change the customs
The customs refer to the Mosaic Law and the traditions that had developed around it. Stephen, like Jesus, was seen as a threat to the established religious order. The early Christian message was perceived as a radical departure from traditional Jewish practices, emphasizing faith in Christ over adherence to the law (Galatians 3:24-25).

that Moses handed down to us.
Moses is a central figure in Judaism, representing the law and the covenant between God and Israel. The mention of Moses underscores the gravity of the accusation, as it suggests a challenge to the very foundation of Jewish identity and religion. Stephen's teaching, however, was not a rejection of Moses but a fulfillment of the law through Christ (Matthew 5:17). This reflects the early Christian understanding of Jesus as the ultimate revelation and fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin
The Sanhedrin was the supreme religious council in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes. It held significant authority over Jewish religious and civil matters. This setting underscores the gravity of the situation, as Stephen is brought before the highest Jewish authority, similar to Jesus' trial (Matthew 26:59-66). The Sanhedrin's role in maintaining religious orthodoxy and their opposition to the early Christian movement is crucial to understanding the tension in this scene.

looked intently at Stephen
The phrase suggests a focused and scrutinizing gaze, indicating the seriousness with which the Sanhedrin regarded Stephen's testimony. This intense observation reflects their suspicion and the high stakes of the accusations against him. It also mirrors the scrutiny Jesus faced during His trial, highlighting the continuity of opposition faced by His followers.

and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel
This description suggests a divine or supernatural radiance, reminiscent of Moses' face shining after speaking with God (Exodus 34:29-35). It implies that Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit, as mentioned earlier in Acts 6:5, and that his countenance reflected God's presence and approval. This angelic appearance serves as a divine testimony to Stephen's righteousness and the truth of his message, contrasting with the hostility of the Sanhedrin. It also prefigures Stephen's role as a martyr, echoing the glory and innocence of Christ in His suffering.