◄ Acts 6 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Choosing of the Seven Acts 6 demonstrates the power of servant leadership in the early Church and the vital importance of wisdom in conflict resolution. It underscores the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit, evidenced in Stephen’s life, reminding believers of the spiritual resources available to them. Though Stephen faces false accusations, his demeanor radiates calm and trust, providing an example of spiritual boldness in the face of adversity. Verses 1-7: Appointment of the Seven Deacons As the early Church grows, a complaint arises from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews because their widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles decide to appoint seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to this task, so they can devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the word. The chosen seven, who become known as deacons, include Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increases rapidly. Verses 8-15: Stephen's Wisdom and the False Charges Against Him Stephen, full of grace and power, performs great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Some members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen argue with Stephen but cannot stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he speaks. They secretly persuade some men to falsely claim that Stephen speaks blasphemous words against Moses and God, leading to his arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin. Acts 6 presents the early Church’s approach to internal conflict and the rise of its first servant leaders. Amidst a dispute between the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews, the apostles demonstrate wisdom by appointing deacons to manage the distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry. Stephen, one of the deacons, stands out for his wisdom and spiritual powers, which eventually lead to false accusations against him. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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). Events 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). Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Prayer Points 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. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Appointment of the Seven (Acts 6:1-6) As the early church grew, a dispute arose between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews regarding the daily distribution to widows. The apostles decided to appoint seven men to oversee this task, emphasizing the importance of serving the community and maintaining unity. The Greek word "διακονία" (diakonia) is used here, highlighting the role of service or ministry. 2. The Selection of Stephen and Others (Acts 6:5) Stephen, described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit," was chosen along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. This selection underscores the importance of spiritual qualifications for leadership roles within the church. 3. The Growth of the Word of God (Acts 6:7) As a result of the apostles' decision and the appointment of the seven, "the word of God continued to spread," and the number of disciples increased significantly. This passage highlights the effectiveness of delegating responsibilities and the resulting growth of the church. 4. Stephen's Ministry and Opposition (Acts 6:8-10) Stephen performed "great wonders and signs among the people," which led to opposition from certain members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Despite their arguments, they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit by which Stephen spoke, indicating the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry. 5. False Accusations Against Stephen (Acts 6:11-14) Unable to refute Stephen's wisdom, his opponents resorted to false accusations, claiming he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. This reflects the early church's challenges and the persecution faced by its leaders. 6. Stephen's Arrest and Appearance Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:15) As Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, his face appeared "like the face of an angel," signifying his innocence and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This imagery connects to the divine favor and protection over those who faithfully serve God. Themes 1. Conflict and Resolution in the Early Church Acts 6 begins with a conflict arising within the early Christian community: "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenistic Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food" (Acts 6:1). This theme highlights the challenges of maintaining unity and fairness in a growing and diverse community. The Greek term "διακονία" (diakonia), meaning service or ministry, underscores the importance of serving others as a core aspect of Christian life. 2. The Role of Deacons The apostles respond to the conflict by appointing seven men to oversee the distribution of food, emphasizing the importance of dedicated roles within the church: "Brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them" (Acts 6:3). This theme introduces the concept of deacons, derived from the Greek word "διάκονος" (diakonos), meaning servant or minister, highlighting the need for structured leadership and service in the church. 3. The Importance of Prayer and Ministry of the Word The apostles prioritize their focus on prayer and preaching: "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). This theme underscores the foundational role of spiritual disciplines and the proclamation of the Gospel in church leadership, emphasizing the Greek term "λειτουργία" (leitourgia), which refers to public service or worship. 4. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit The selection of Stephen and others is marked by their being "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). This theme highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for effective ministry and service, as seen in the Greek word "πνεῦμα" (pneuma), meaning spirit or breath, indicating divine enablement. 5. Growth of the Church Following the resolution of the conflict and the appointment of the seven, the church continues to grow: "So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7). This theme reflects the dynamic and expansive nature of the early church, driven by effective leadership and the power of the Holy Spirit. 6. Persecution and Witness Stephen's ministry leads to opposition and false accusations: "They stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin" (Acts 6:12). This theme highlights the reality of persecution faced by early Christians and the call to bear witness to the truth, as seen in the Greek word "μάρτυς" (martys), meaning witness or martyr. 7. Divine Wisdom and Authority Despite the accusations, Stephen's wisdom and spirit are undeniable: "But they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke" (Acts 6:10). This theme emphasizes the divine wisdom and authority granted to believers through the Holy Spirit, as reflected in the Greek word "σοφία" (sophia), meaning wisdom. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions