Acts 6:5 Study Bible: And these words pleased the whole gathering. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;

◄ Acts 6:5 ►

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Study Bible

This proposal pleased the whole group
The phrase "this proposal" refers to the suggestion made by the apostles to appoint seven men to oversee the distribution of food, ensuring fairness and addressing the complaints of the Hellenistic Jews. The Greek word for "pleased" (ἀρεστός, arestos) indicates a sense of satisfaction and approval, suggesting that the early church was unified in their decision-making process. This unity is significant in the context of the early church, as it highlights the communal and cooperative spirit that was essential for the growth and stability of the Christian community.

They chose Stephen
"Stephen" is derived from the Greek name Στέφανος (Stephanos), meaning "crown" or "garland." Stephen is introduced as a prominent figure, and his selection is significant because he is described as a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." This sets the stage for his later role as the first Christian martyr, emphasizing the importance of spiritual qualifications in leadership within the church.

a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit
The description "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" underscores the spiritual maturity and divine empowerment of Stephen. The Greek word for "full" (πλήρης, pleres) conveys the idea of being completely filled or abounding. This highlights the essential qualities of faith and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit as prerequisites for effective ministry and service in the early church. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

also Philip
"Philip" comes from the Greek name Φίλιππος (Philippos), meaning "lover of horses." Philip is another key figure in the early church, later known for his evangelistic work, particularly in Samaria and with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). His inclusion in this list indicates his role as a trusted leader and servant in the community.

Prochorus
The name "Prochorus" is of Greek origin, meaning "leader of the dance" or "chorus leader." While not much is known about Prochorus from the biblical text, his selection as one of the seven indicates his standing and trustworthiness within the early church. Tradition holds that he later became a bishop and possibly a martyr, reflecting the dedication and sacrifice of early Christian leaders.

Nicanor
"Nicanor" is a Greek name meaning "victorious." Although specific details about Nicanor's life and ministry are not provided in the biblical text, his inclusion among the seven suggests that he was a respected and capable leader. The name itself may symbolize the victory of the early church in overcoming challenges and spreading the gospel.

Timon
The name "Timon" is of Greek origin, meaning "honorable" or "worthy." Like Nicanor, little is known about Timon's life from the biblical account. However, his selection as one of the seven indicates his honorable character and the trust placed in him by the early Christian community.

Parmenas
"Parmenas" is a Greek name that may mean "abiding" or "steadfast." This name suggests qualities of perseverance and faithfulness, which would have been essential for those serving in leadership roles within the early church. Parmenas' inclusion in this list highlights the importance of steadfastness in the face of challenges.

and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism
"Nicolas" is a Greek name meaning "victory of the people." His designation as "from Antioch" and "a convert to Judaism" (a proselyte) indicates his background and the diverse nature of the early church. Antioch was a major city and a center of early Christian activity, known for its cultural and ethnic diversity. Nicolas' conversion to Judaism before embracing Christianity reflects the inclusive nature of the gospel message, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. His selection underscores the early church's commitment to unity and diversity within its leadership.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Stephen
Described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit," Stephen is the first named among the seven chosen. He later becomes the first Christian martyr.

2. Philip
Another of the seven, Philip is known for his evangelistic work, including the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.

3. Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas
These men are less prominently featured in the New Testament, but they were chosen for their good reputation and spiritual qualifications.

4. Nicolas from Antioch
A convert to Judaism, Nicolas is noted for his background, indicating the diverse nature of the early church.

5. The Whole Group
Refers to the early Christian community in Jerusalem, which was involved in the decision-making process.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Spiritual Qualifications
The early church prioritized spiritual qualifications over mere administrative skills. This highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and faith in any ministry role.

Diversity in the Early Church
The selection of Nicolas, a convert from Antioch, shows the inclusivity and diversity of the early church, setting a precedent for embracing different backgrounds in the body of Christ.

Community Involvement in Decision-Making
The whole group was pleased with the proposal, indicating the value of communal discernment and unity in church decisions.

Role of Deacons in the Church
The seven were chosen to serve, illustrating the biblical model of deacons as servants who support the ministry of the Word and care for the practical needs of the community.

Bible Study Questions

1. What qualities made Stephen and the others suitable for their roles, and how can we apply these qualities in our own lives and ministries?

2. How does the inclusion of Nicolas, a convert from Antioch, challenge us to embrace diversity within our own church communities?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our church decision-making processes reflect the unity and communal involvement seen in Acts 6:5?

4. How does the role of deacons in the early church inform our understanding of service and leadership in the church today?

5. How can we cultivate a life "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" in our personal walk with Christ, and what practical steps can we take to grow in these areas?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 2:4
The mention of being "full of the Holy Spirit" connects to the Pentecost event, where the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, empowering them for ministry.

1 Timothy 3:8-13
The qualifications for deacons outlined by Paul echo the qualities seen in the seven chosen in Acts 6:5, emphasizing the importance of character and faithfulness.

Acts 8:26-40
Philip's evangelistic work, particularly with the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrates the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities.

Sermons

Institution of Deacons	R.A. Redford	Acts 6:1-6
The First Crystallizings of Ecclesicastical Institution	P.C. Barker	Acts 6:1-6
A Picture of Early Church Life	M. C. Hazard.	Acts 6:1-7
Dissatisfaction in the Primitive Church	W. H. Davison.	Acts 6:1-7
Dissensions and Precautions	G. T. Stokes, D. D.	Acts 6:1-7
Hellenist and Hebrew	J. Oswald Dykes, D. D.	Acts 6:1-7
On Deacons	J. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.	Acts 6:1-7
Prosperity and Peace Within the Church	W. Clarkson	Acts 6:1-7
The Ancient Bond Between Poverty and Christianity a Blessing to Both	K. Gerok.	Acts 6:1-7
The Appointment of Deacons	E. Johnson	Acts 6:1-7
The Division of Work	W. E. Chadwick, M. A.	Acts 6:1-7
The Election of Deacons	J. Parker, D. D.	Acts 6:1-7
The First Deacons Chosen	T. Binney.	Acts 6:1-7
The First Disunion in the Church	Langbein.	Acts 6:1-7
The First Election of Deacons	D. Thomas, D. D.	Acts 6:1-7
The Poor the Treasures of the Church	K. Gerok.	Acts 6:1-7
Trouble the Lot of the Church	Starke.	Acts 6:1-7
Imposition of Hands	G. T. Stokes, D. D.	Acts 6:3-6
Ministers Should Give Themselves to Prayer		Acts 6:3-6
Prayer and Ministerial Success		Acts 6:3-6
Prayer and Power		Acts 6:3-6
Prayer and Preaching	W. Arnot, D. D.	Acts 6:3-6
Stephen's Faith and its Source	J. Kirk Pike.	Acts 6:3-6
Suitable Men to be Sought Out by the Church	J. A. James.	Acts 6:3-6
The Character of Stephen	R. P. Buddicom, M. A.	Acts 6:3-6
The Christian Full of Faith and of the Holy Ghost	J. E. Dalton, B. D.	Acts 6:3-6
The Work of the Spirit in the Deaconship of the Christian Church	J. Morgan, D. D.	Acts 6:3-6
Why Seven Deacons	G. T. Stokes, D. D.	Acts 6:3-6
Stephen, the Proto-Martyr	R. Tuck	Acts 6:5-8

People

Alexandrians, Cilicians, Cyrenians, Grecians, Nicanor, Nicolas, Parmenas, Philip, Prochorus, Stephen, Timon

Places

Asia, Cilicia, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Syrian Antioch

Topics

Antioch, Approval, Choose, Chose, Congregation, Convert, Faith, Full, General, Ghost, Group, Holy, Jew, Judaism, Met, Multitude, Nicanor, Nica'nor, Nicolas, Nicolaus, Nicola'us, Parmenas, Par'menas, Philip, Pleased, Pleasing, Prochorus, Proch'orus, Procorus, Proselyte, Saying, Selected, Selection, Spirit, Statement, Stephen, Suggestion, Timon, Ti'mon

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Acts 6:5

     3233   Holy Spirit, and sanctification
     7540   Judaism
     8020   faith
     8026   faith, growth in
     8164   spirituality

Acts 6:1-6

     5054   responsibility, examples
     5310   exploitation
     5556   stewardship

Acts 6:2-6

5714 men
7708 apostles, function

Acts 6:3-5

3251 Holy Spirit, filling with

Acts 6:3-6

7026 church, leadership
8422 equipping, spiritual

Acts 6:5-6

7328 ceremonies
7715 deacons

Acts 6:5-8

6670 grace, and Holy Spirit

Acts 6:5-10

8024 faith, and blessings

Library

October 4 Morning
Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.--EXO. 34:29. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.--Lord, when saw we thee a hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?--In lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves.--Be clothed with humility. [Jesus] was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.--All that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on Stephen, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 16. "We Will Give Ourselves Continually to Prayer" (Acts vi. 4).
"We will give ourselves continually to prayer" (Acts vi. 4). In the consecrated believer the Holy Spirit is pre-eminently a Spirit of prayer. If our whole being is committed to Him, and our thoughts are at His bidding, He will occupy every moment in communion and we shall bring every thing to Him as it comes, and pray it out in our spiritual consciousness before we act it out in our lives. We shall, therefore, find ourselves taking up the burdens of life and praying them out in a wordless prayer …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Filled with the Spirit
'Men ... full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.' ... 'A man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost....' 'Stephen, full of faith and power.'--ACTS vi. 3, 5, 8. I have taken the liberty of wrenching these three fragments from their context, because of their remarkable parallelism, which is evidently intended to set us thinking of the connection of the various characteristics which they set forth. The first of them is a description, given by the Apostles, of the sort of man whom they conceived to be fit to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Good Earnests of Great Success
So I felt when I met with the brethren last Thursday night. The attendance at the church meeting was very numerous, and the unanimity that prevailed not only gratified me, but I must confess astounded me too. I think all of us who know anything of the history of churches, especially those of a democratic order, where we recognize the rights of every member, understand how easy it is for thoughts to diverge, for counsels to vary, and for excellent brethren conscientiously to disagree. A breach once …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 14: 1868

Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
[19] "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons."--Phil. 1:1. THIS opening verse of St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians is a very remarkable text of Scripture. I suspect it receives far less attention from Bible- readers than it deserves. Like the gold of California, men have walked over it for centuries, and have not observed what was under their feet. In fact, if some Anglican divines had stood at the …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

The Signs
There are indications that to some of those who took part in the crucifixion of Christ His death presented hardly anything to distinguish it from an ordinary execution; and there were others who were anxious to believe that it had no features which were extraordinary. But God did not leave His Son altogether without witness. The end of the Saviour's sufferings was accompanied by certain signs, which showed the interest excited by them in the world unseen. I. The first sign was the rending of the …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Outbreak of the Arian Controversy. The Attitude of Eusebius.
About the year 318, while Alexander was bishop of Alexandria, the Arian controversy broke out in that city, and the whole Eastern Church was soon involved in the strife. We cannot enter here into a discussion of Arius' views; but in order to understand the rapidity with which the Arian party grew, and the strong hold which it possessed from the very start in Syria and Asia Minor, we must remember that Arius was not himself the author of that system which we know as Arianism, but that he learned the …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

The Epistles of Paul.
1. The apostolic epistles are a natural sequence of the office and work committed by the Saviour to the apostles. They were the primitive preachers of the gospel, and, under Christ, the founders of the Christian church. From the necessity of the case they had a general supervision of all the local churches, and their authority in them was supreme in matters of both faith and practice. It was to be expected, therefore, that they should teach by writing, as well as by oral instruction. It does not …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Right to Run Things
A new mission station opened! Another conquest of the Gospel! Have you ever wondered how it was done? Suppose you are a missionary, and have already passed successfully through the language-learning stage. Suppose you are assigned an area where the Gospel has never been preached, an area teeming with people, very few of whom have ever even heard the precious name of Jesus. You probably have a fellow worker. You have good health, a reasonable knowledge of the language and local customs, and a heart …
Mabel Williamson—Have We No Rights?

The Johannean Literature.
I. Sources. 1. The Gospel, Epistles, and Revelation of John. The notices of John in the Synoptical Gospels, in the Acts, and in Gal. 2:9. (See the passages in Young's Analytical Concordance.) 2. Patristic traditions. Irenaeus: Adv. Haer. II. 22, 5 (John lived to the age of Trajan); III. 1, 1 (John at Ephesus); III. 3, 4 (John and Cerinthus); V. 30, 3 (John and the Apocalypse). Clemens Alex.: Quis dives salvus, c. 42 (John and the young robber). Polycrates of Ephesus in Eus. Hist. Eccl., III. 31; …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Deacons and Deaconesses.
Deacons, [729] or helpers, appear first in the church of Jerusalem, seven in number. The author of the Acts 6 gives us an account of the origin of this office, which is mentioned before that of the presbyters. It had a precedent in the officers of the synagogue who had charge of the collection and distribution of alms. [730] It was the first relief of the heavy burden that rested on the shoulders of the apostles, who wished to devote themselves exclusively to prayer and the ministry of the word. …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Philip, the Evangelist
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. Philip the Evangelist must be carefully distinguished from Philip the Apostle. And though it is little that we are told regarding him in Scripture, that little is very significant. He first comes before us as one of the seven chosen by the early Church at Jerusalem to take charge of the daily ministration of charity to the poor widows (Acts vi. I ff.). And when this work is hindered by the outbreak of persecution following on the death of Stephen, we find him …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Christ Should have Led a Life of Poverty in this World?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have led a life of poverty in this world. Because Christ should have embraced the most eligible form of life. But the most eligible form of life is that which is a mean between riches and poverty; for it is written (Prov. 30:8): "Give me neither beggary nor riches; give me only the necessaries of life." Therefore Christ should have led a life, not of poverty, but of moderation. Objection 2: Further, external wealth is ordained to bodily use as to …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether to Baptize is Part of the Priestly Office, or Proper to that of Bishops?
Objection 1: It seems that to baptize is not part of the priestly office, but proper to that of bishops. Because, as stated above (A[1], OBJ[1]), the duties of teaching and baptizing are enjoined in the same precept (Mat. 28:19). But to teach, which is "to perfect," belongs to the office of bishop, as Dionysius declares (Eccl. Hier. v, vi). Therefore to baptize also belongs to the episcopal office. Objection 2: Further, by Baptism a man is admitted to the body of the Christian people: and to do this …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Fulness of Grace is Proper to Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that the fulness of grace is not proper to Christ. For what is proper to anyone belongs to him alone. But to be full of grace is attributed to some others; for it was said to the Blessed Virgin (Lk. 1:28): "Hail, full of grace"; and again it is written (Acts 6:8): "Stephen, full of grace and fortitude." Therefore the fulness of grace is not proper to Christ. Objection 2: Further, what can be communicated to others through Christ does not seem to be proper to Christ. But …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Holy Catholic Church.
"Christ is gone up; yet ere He passed From earth, in heaven to reign, He formed One Holy Church to last Till He should come again. So age by age, and year by year, His grace was handed on; And still the Holy Church is here, Although her Lord is gone." A question often arises which is, in no little degree, perplexing to Christian people. What is the Holy Catholic Church? The words are very often in our mouths; for they are repeated continually in the Creed. What do we mean by them? The teaching of …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
Aaron, [1]373. Abdus of Edessa, [2]101. Abdus, the father of the preceding, [3]101. Abgarus, Prince of Edessa, correspondence of, with Christ, 100, [4]101; healed by Thaddeus, [5]101, [6]104. Abilius, second bishop of Alexandria, [7]147, [8]149. Abraham, [9]83, [10]87, [11]88. Achæus, a judge at Cæsarea, [12]303. Achillas, presbyter of Alexandria, [13]321. Achior, the Ammonite, [14]93. Acolyths, [15]288. Actium, [16]263. Acts, book of, [17]88, [18]98, [19]112, [20]113, [21]117, [22]122, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Twenty-Fifth Day for More Conversions
WHAT TO PRAY.--For more Conversions "He is able to save completely, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession."--HEB. vii. 25. "We will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word.... And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied exceedingly."--ACTS vi. 4, 7. Christ's power to save, and save completely, depends on His unceasing intercession. The apostles withdrawing themselves from other work to give themselves continually to prayer was followed …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
1785-1792 Moulton the Mission's birthplace--Carey's fever and poverty--His Moulton school--Fired with the missionary idea--His very large missionary map--Fuller's confession of the aged and respectable ministers' opposition--Old Mr. Ryland's rebuke--Driven to publish his Enquiry--Its literary character--Carey's survey of the world in 1788--His motives, difficulties, and plans--Projects the first Missionary Society--Contrasted with his predecessors from Erasmus--Prayer concert begun in Scotland in …
George Smith—The Life of William Carey

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian Estate.
Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation of these fearful evils, I will yet sing out my fool's song, and will show, as well as my wit will allow, what might and should be done by the temporal authorities or by a General Council. 1. Princes, nobles and cities should promptly forbid their subjects to pay the annates and should even abolish them altogether. For the Pope has broken the compact, and turned the annates into robbery for the harm and shame of the …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Synagogues in the City; and Schools.
"R. Phinehas, in the name of R. Hoshaia, saith, There were four hundred and sixty synagogues in Jerusalem: every one of which had a house of the book, and a house of doctrine," "A house of the book for the Scripture," that is, where the Scripture might be read: "and a house of doctrine for traditions," that is, the Beth Midrash, where traditions might be taught. These things are recited elsewhere, and there the number ariseth to four hundred and eighty. "R. Phinehas, in the name of R. Hoshaia, saith, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

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