Acts 6

1 Now in those days, when the number of the talmidim was multiplying, there arose a grumbling of the Yevanian Yehudim against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily service.

2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the talmidim and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Ruach HaKodesh and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Ruach HaKodesh, Pilipos, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;

6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God increased and the number of the talmidim multiplied in Yerushalayim exceedingly. A great company of the Kohanim were obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.

10 They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they secretly induced men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moshe and God."

12 They stirred up the people, the Zakenim, and the Sofrim, and came on him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,

13 and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

14 For we have heard him say that this Yeshua of Natzeret will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moshe delivered to us."

15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

Acts 6 Commentary

Chapter 6

The appointment of deacons. (1-7) Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy. (8-15)

Verses 1-7 Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tables must be duly qualified. They must be filled with gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, necessary to rightly managing this trust; men of truth, and hating covetousness. All who are employed in the service of the church, ought to be commended to the Divine grace by the prayers of the church. They blessed them in the name of the Lord. The word and grace of God are greatly magnified, when those are wrought upon by it, who were least likely.

Verses 8-15 When they could not answer Stephen's arguments as a disputant, they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. And it is next to a miracle of providence, that no greater number of religious persons have been murdered in the world, by the way of perjury and pretence of law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no conscience of false oaths. Wisdom and holiness make a man's face to shine, yet will not secure men from being treated badly. What shall we say of man, a rational being, yet attempting to uphold a religious system by false witness and murder! And this has been done in numberless instances. But the blame rests not so much upon the understanding, as upon the heart of a fallen creature, which is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Yet the servant of the Lord, possessing a clear conscience, cheerful hope, and Divine consolations, may smile in the midst of danger and death.