Acts Chapter 6: Deacons Appointed and Stephen’s Arrest


Summary
Acts 6 narrates the early church’s response to a practical challenge, the appointment of the first deacons, and the emergence of Stephen, whose bold ministry provokes opposition. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Conflict Over Widows’ Care (6:1–4): As the church grows, Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews complain that their widows are neglected in daily food distribution compared to Hebraic (Aramaic-speaking) Jews. The apostles, prioritizing prayer and preaching, propose selecting seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this task, allowing them to focus on the word.
  • Appointment of Deacons (6:5–7): The church chooses Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, all with Greek names, suggesting sensitivity to the Hellenistic complaint. The apostles pray and lay hands on them. The word of God spreads, disciples multiply, and many priests believe.
  • Stephen’s Ministry and Arrest (6:8–15): Stephen, full of grace and power, performs great wonders and signs. Opponents from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Hellenistic Jews) debate him but cannot counter his Spirit-empowered wisdom. They falsely accuse him of blaspheming against Moses and God, stirring the crowd. Stephen is seized and brought before the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses claim he speaks against the temple and law, alleging Jesus will destroy the temple. Stephen’s face shines like an angel’s as he faces the council.
Cross-References
  • Widows’ Care Conflict:
    • James 1:27: Caring for widows as true religion.
    • 1 Timothy 5:3–16: Church support for widows.
    • Acts 2:44–45: Early church’s communal care.
  • Deacon Appointment:
    • 1 Timothy 3:8–13: Qualifications for deacons.
    • Acts 13:3: Laying on hands for commissioning.
    • Philippians 1:1: Deacons in the church.
  • Stephen’s Ministry:
    • Acts 7:2–53: Stephen’s defense speech.
    • Luke 21:15: Wisdom opponents cannot resist.
    • Exodus 34:29: Moses’ shining face, echoed in Stephen.
  • False Accusations:
    • Matthew 26:59–61: False witnesses against Jesus.
    • Mark 14:57–58: Temple destruction charge.
    • Acts 21:28: Similar accusations against Paul.
  • Church Growth:
    • Acts 4:4: Disciples increase.
    • Colossians 1:6: Gospel bears fruit.
    • Isaiah 55:11: God’s word prospers.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Gospel’s expanding witness.
    • Ephesians 4:11–12: Equipping for ministry.
Theological Meaning
Acts 6 is rich with theological themes that highlight the church’s organization and resilience:
  • Unity Through Service: The resolution of the widows’ conflict (6:1–4) shows the church’s commitment to fairness and unity, addressing cultural tensions through shared responsibility (Ephesians 4:3; Psalm 133:1).
  • Delegation in Ministry: The apostles’ focus on prayer and preaching (6:4) and the deacons’ service (6:2–3) model distributed leadership, ensuring spiritual and practical needs are met (Exodus 18:17–23; 1 Corinthians 12:28).
  • Spirit’s Empowerment: Stephen’s signs, wisdom, and radiant face (6:8, 10, 15) reflect the Spirit’s work, equipping believers for bold witness (Acts 4:31; John 14:12).
  • Opposition to the Gospel: Stephen’s arrest and false accusations (6:11–14) echo Jesus’ trial, showing resistance to God’s truth, yet advancing His plan (John 15:20; Acts 7:51–52).
  • Church Growth: The increase in disciples, including priests (6:7), demonstrates the gospel’s unstoppable spread, even amid internal and external challenges (Matthew 16:18; Acts 12:24).
  • Faithful Witness: Stephen’s ministry and arrest (6:8–15) exemplify courage in proclaiming Christ, preparing for his martyrdom (Acts 7:59–60; Philippians 1:20).
  • God’s Presence: Stephen’s angelic face (6:15) signifies divine favor, recalling Moses and affirming his role as God’s servant (2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 11:27).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why were Hellenistic widows neglected (6:1)?
    • Cultural and language differences between Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) and Hebraic (Aramaic-speaking) Jews likely caused oversight in food distribution, not intentional bias (6:1; Acts 2:46; Galatians 2:12).
  2. Why did the apostles delegate the widows’ care (6:2–4)?
    • To prioritize prayer and preaching, the apostles proposed selecting seven men to handle practical needs, ensuring both spiritual and physical care (6:4; Exodus 18:21; 1 Peter 5:1–3).
  3. Who were the seven chosen men, and why their Greek names (6:5)?
    • Stephen, Philip, and five others were chosen for their faith and wisdom (6:3, 5). Their Greek names suggest they were Hellenistic Jews, addressing the complainants’ concerns (Acts 11:20).
  4. What was the role of the “deacons” (6:6)?
    • Though not called “deacons” here, they served practical needs (e.g., food distribution), freeing apostles for teaching (6:2–6; 1 Timothy 3:8). Philip and Stephen also evangelized (Acts 8:5, 6:8).
  5. Why was Stephen targeted by the Synagogue of the Freedmen (6:9)?
    • Stephen’s powerful preaching and signs threatened their influence, as Hellenistic Jews (former slaves or descendants) debated him but lost (6:9–10; Acts 17:5; Luke 21:15).
  6. What were the false charges against Stephen (6:11–14)?
    • Opponents accused Stephen of blaspheming against Moses and God, claiming he said Jesus would destroy the temple and change Mosaic customs (6:13–14; Matthew 26:61; Acts 21:28).
  7. Why did Stephen’s face shine like an angel’s (6:15)?
    • His radiant face reflected God’s presence and Spirit, similar to Moses after meeting God, signifying divine approval as he faced trial (6:15; Exodus 34:29; 2 Corinthians 3:7).
  8. How did the church grow despite conflict (6:7)?
    • Resolving the widows’ issue and appointing deacons strengthened unity, while Stephen’s witness and the gospel’s power led to conversions, even among priests (6:7; Acts 4:4; Colossians 1:6).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The events (circa AD 33–34) occur in Jerusalem, the early church’s center (6:1; Acts 5:28). Hellenistic Jews, influenced by Greek culture, differed from Hebraic Jews (6:1; Acts 9:29). The Synagogue of the Freedmen (6:9) likely included Jews freed from Roman slavery (Josephus, Antiquities 14.7.2). Priests’ conversions (6:7) were significant, as they upheld temple tradition (Luke 1:5). The Sanhedrin (6:12) was the Jewish ruling council (Acts 5:21).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why widows needed care (6:1). Widows lacked family support, relying on the church (Deuteronomy 26:12; Acts 4:35). Laying hands (6:6) signified commissioning (Numbers 27:18). “Blasphemy” (6:11) was a capital offense (Leviticus 24:16). False witnesses (6:13) echoed Jesus’ trial tactics (Mark 14:56). Priests’ faith (6:7) likely involved temple workers, not high priests (Acts 4:1).
  • Application: Acts 6 calls believers to resolve conflicts with wisdom, serve humbly, and proclaim Christ boldly despite opposition. It encourages trust in the Spirit and commitment to the church’s mission, fostering growth (Ephesians 4:16).
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