The Problem of Distribution
Acts 6:1 describes a complaint that arose among the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This highlights the challenges of managing a diverse and growing community.

The Role of the Apostles
In Acts 6:2-4, the apostles recognize the need to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. They propose selecting seven men to handle the distribution, demonstrating the importance of delegation and prioritizing spiritual responsibilities.

Qualifications for Service
Acts 6:3 outlines the criteria for those chosen to serve: they must be men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. This emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and integrity in leadership roles.

The Selection of the Seven
Acts 6:5-6 records the selection of Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. The community's involvement in choosing these men underscores the value of collective discernment and unity.

The Result of Wise Leadership
Acts 6:7 reveals the outcome of the apostles' decision: So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. Effective leadership and service lead to growth and transformation.Addressing Conflicts
When conflicts arise in the church, address them promptly and with wisdom, seeking solutions that promote unity and fairness.

Delegation in Ministry
Recognize the importance of delegating tasks to capable individuals, allowing leaders to focus on their primary spiritual responsibilities.

Qualifications for Service
Ensure that those serving in leadership or ministry roles are spiritually mature and exhibit godly character.

Community Involvement
Encourage active participation and discernment within the church community when making important decisions.

Focus on Growth
Prioritize actions and decisions that contribute to the spiritual growth and expansion of the church.1. Stephen
Description: Stephen is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). He is the first of the seven chosen to serve and is later noted for performing great wonders and signs among the people. His name, Στέφανος (Stephanos), means "crown" in Greek.

2. Philip
Description: Philip is another of the seven chosen. He later becomes known as Philip the Evangelist, who plays a significant role in spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. His name, Φίλιππος (Philippos), means "lover of horses" in Greek.

3. Prochorus
Description: Prochorus is one of the seven appointed to serve. His name, Πρόχορος (Prochoros), means "leader of the dance" in Greek.

4. Nicanor
Description: Nicanor is listed among the seven. His name, Νικάνωρ (Nikanor), means "conqueror" in Greek.

5. Timon
Description: Timon is another of the seven. His name, Τίμων (Timon), means "honorable" or "worthy" in Greek.

6. Parmenas
Description: Parmenas is one of the seven chosen. His name, Παρμενᾶς (Parmenas), means "abiding" or "steadfast" in Greek.

7. Nicolas
Description: Nicolas is described as "a proselyte from Antioch" (Acts 6:5), indicating he was a Gentile convert to Judaism before becoming a Christian. His name, Νικόλαος (Nikolaos), means "victory of the people" in Greek.1. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the central location where the events of Acts 6 take place. It is the city where the early church is growing and where the apostles are preaching and performing miracles. Jerusalem holds significant importance as the spiritual and cultural center for the Jewish people and the early Christian community. The Greek term for Jerusalem used in the New Testament is "Ἰερουσαλήμ" (Ierousalēm).1. Complaint of the Hellenistic Jews
The chapter begins with a complaint from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This highlights early church challenges in managing resources and ensuring fairness among diverse groups. The Greek term "διακονία" (diakonia) is used here, emphasizing the service or ministry aspect of the distribution (Acts 6:1).

2. The Twelve Apostles' Response
The Twelve Apostles convene all the disciples and propose a solution. They emphasize the importance of focusing on prayer and the ministry of the word, rather than being distracted by administrative tasks. This decision underscores the priority of spiritual leadership and teaching in the early church (Acts 6:2-4).

3. Selection of the Seven
The congregation is instructed to select seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the distribution. This decision reflects the early church's practice of delegating responsibilities to qualified individuals. The Greek word "πλήρης" (plērēs), meaning "full," indicates the spiritual and moral qualifications required (Acts 6:3).

4. Appointment and Prayer
The chosen seven—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas—are presented to the apostles, who pray and lay hands on them. This act of laying on of hands signifies the commissioning and blessing of these men for their specific ministry roles (Acts 6:5-6).

5. Growth of the Word and Disciples
As a result of these actions, the word of God continues to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increases rapidly. Even a large number of priests become obedient to the faith, indicating the powerful impact of the church's witness and organization (Acts 6:7).

6. Stephen's Ministry and Opposition
Stephen, described as full of grace and power, performs great wonders and signs among the people. However, opposition arises from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who dispute with him but cannot withstand his wisdom and the Spirit by which he speaks (Acts 6:8-10).

7. False Accusations Against Stephen
Unable to counter Stephen's wisdom, his opponents secretly persuade some men to falsely accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and God. This leads to his arrest and presentation before the Sanhedrin, illustrating the early church's encounters with persecution and false testimony (Acts 6:11-14).

8. Stephen's Appearance Before the Sanhedrin
As Stephen stands before the council, all who are present see his face as that of an angel. This description suggests a divine presence and approval, setting the stage for his subsequent defense and martyrdom (Acts 6:15).1 Timothy 3:8-13
This passage provides further qualifications for deacons, emphasizing the importance of character and faithfulness in service.

Ephesians 4:11-13
Highlights the various roles within the church and the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry.

Philippians 2:3-4
Encourages believers to act with humility and consider the interests of others, promoting unity and service.Pray for wisdom and discernment for church leaders as they address challenges and make decisions.

Ask God to raise up individuals within the church who are full of the Spirit and wisdom to serve effectively.

Seek unity and harmony within the church community, especially in times of conflict or disagreement.

Pray for the continued growth and spread of the Gospel, both locally and globally.

Thank God for the example of the early church and ask for the grace to apply these lessons in our own context.

1. What does the apostles' approach to resolving the complaint among the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews teach about conflict resolution within the Church?

2. How does the appointment of the seven deacons emphasize the importance of servant leadership in the Church?

3. In what ways does Stephen's wisdom and the miraculous signs he performs demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit?

4. How does Stephen's response to false accusations inspire your personal faith journey?

5. Why do you think the apostles believed it was important for them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word rather than distributing food?

6. How does Stephen's wisdom exceed human wisdom, and what implications does this have for your understanding of spiritual wisdom?

7. How can the principles of conflict resolution demonstrated in this chapter be applied to contemporary Church situations?

8. How does Stephen's courage in the face of opposition encourage believers facing similar situations today?

9. How should the appointment of the seven deacons influence the Church's approach to meeting the needs of its community?

10. What qualities made Stephen an effective servant leader in the early Church?

11. In what ways do the false accusations against Stephen underscore the risks of standing for one's faith?

12. How can the Church today ensure fair treatment and justice for all its members, as demonstrated in the apostles' response to the Hellenistic Jews' complaint?

13. How does Stephen's example inspire you to serve within your own church community?

14. What can we learn from the rapid growth of the Church following the appointment of the deacons?

15. How does the opposition to Stephen's ministry demonstrate the challenges faced by those boldly proclaiming the Gospel?

16. How does the early Church’s resolution of the widows’ neglect apply to resolving inequalities in the Church today?

17. In your life, how can you demonstrate the grace and power seen in Stephen?

18. How would you respond to false accusations about your faith, as Stephen did?

19. How does the principle of appointing deacons for practical service in the Church apply to the distribution of tasks and responsibilities in your community?

20. In what ways does the example of Stephen challenge you to display wisdom and spiritual boldness in your Christian journey?