Acts 6 Study Notes

6:1 The distinction between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews probably refers to their respective languages. Many Jews whose primary language was Greek were converted to Christianity (e.g., Paul, Ac 9; see note at 22:3). Needy Hellenistic believers felt they had been neglected in the early church’s charity distribution. This imbalance may have arisen due simply to the logistical challenge caused by the rapid addition of Hellenistic Jewish Christians. The existing church structure proved unable to meet the growing demands. It was time for change.

6:2-4 The distinction between those responsible for preaching and those responsible for distribution of food marks the beginning of functional distinction of roles and responsibilities in the early church. The apostles (the Twelve) believed prayer and preaching were their primary duties. It is not that other roles were unimportant. In fact, the high requirements (good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom) that had to be met by the seven men who would take over the duty of food distribution signals the importance of all roles in Christian service. Each of the “seven men” filled a position that later came to be reserved for deacons. Informally, therefore, these men were the first Christian deacons. They were responsible for the practical needs of the congregation.

6:5-6 Stephen and six others (their Greek names probably identify them as Hellenistic believers) were selected. They were set apart for service by prayer and the laying on of hands by the apostles. The laying on of hands occurs in several contexts in Acts (8:17; 13:3; 19:6). Here, as in 13:3, it indicated the church’s recognition that God had called these people to a particular ministry. The ministry of Philip is highlighted in 8:4-13,26-40.

6:7 The word of God spread, and the disciples increased greatly in number in the early church. Even a large group of priests became followers of Christ. Luke did not specify who the priests were, but they were probably those who performed duties in connection with worship at the temple. This put them in a good position to hear the apostles preach on a regular basis.

6:8 A mark of the authenticity of Stephen’s work is that it was distinguished by great wonders and signs. God often affirmed the apostolic message in this way (5:12).

6:9-10 Though Jews from several different backgrounds began to argue with Stephen, he swept them aside by use of his human intellectual gifts (wisdom) and divine empowerment (the Spirit).

6:11 Stephen’s supposedly blasphemous words on this occasion were probably similar to his speech in Ac 7, which emphasized Israel’s disobedience and the fulfillment of the OT in the ministry of Jesus, including his replacing the temple and the law. This would have aroused resentment among those who revered Moses and rejected Jesus as Messiah.

6:12 Like the apostles before him, especially Peter and John, Stephen was taken before the Sanhedrin after those from the synagogues were unable to stand against him. The confrontation now elevated from informal dispute to a more formal legal interrogation.

6:13 The fact that Stephen had not actually spoken against the holy place and the law is confirmed by the fact that false witnesses were produced to sustain the charges against him.

6:14 The charge against Stephen was similar to the charges against Jesus—that he would destroy the temple. They were also concerned about preserving their customs or oral laws, which they believed they had inherited from Moses.

6:15 Stephen’s facial expression reflected his innocence and the Spirit’s role in his life.