Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Parallel theme: Acts 2:41, 2:47, 4:4, 4:35, 5:14, 6:7, 9:39, 9:41, 11:20, James 5:9 +5

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of God, and serve tables. Parallel theme: Nehemiah 6:3, 2 Timothy 2:4

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Holy: Acts 2:4, 10:22, 1 Timothy 5:10. Spirit: Isaiah 28:6. Parallel theme: Acts 1:21, 6:6, 22:12, Deuteronomy 1:13, Isaiah 28:26, 3 John 1:12 +5

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Prayer: Acts 1:14, 2:42, Romans 1:9. Word: 2 Timothy 4:2

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Faith: Acts 6:8, 11:24. Holy: Acts 6:3. Spirit: Acts 6:10. Parallel theme: Acts 11:19, 13:1, 21:8, Proverbs 15:23 +3

6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. Prayer: Acts 1:24, 13:3. Parallel theme: Acts 8:17, 9:17, Numbers 8:10, 1 Timothy 4:14, 5:22, 2 Timothy 1:6 +3

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. References God: Colossians 1:6. Faith: Acts 14:22, Romans 1:5, 16:26. Word: Acts 12:24, 19:20. Parallel theme: Hebrews 5:9 +2

Stephen's Arrest

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Faith: Acts 6:5, John 4:48, 1 Timothy 3:13. Parallel theme: Acts 6:3, 6:10, 6:15, 7:55, 8:6, Ephesians 4:11 +4

9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. Parallel theme: Acts 15:23, 15:41, 16:6, 18:24, 19:10, 21:27, 22:3, 23:34, Matthew 27:32, Mark 13:9 +5

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. by which he spake. Spirit: Acts 7:51, Job 32:8, Luke 1:17, 1 Corinthians 2:4. Parallel theme: Exodus 4:12, Luke 21:15, John 7:46 +2

11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally..

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, Parallel theme: Acts 14:2, Proverbs 15:18

13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. place, and the law: Word: Acts 6:11. Holy: Acts 21:28

14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. References Jesus: John 4:21. References Moses: Acts 15:1, 21:21. Parallel theme: Acts 25:8, 26:3, 28:17, Daniel 9:26, Luke 21:6, Galatians 3:19, 3:23 +5

15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angelAngel: ἄγγελος (Angelos). The Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) means angel or messenger. Angels announced Christ's birth (Luke 2:9-14), ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11), and will accompany His return (Matthew 25:31).. Kingdom: Matthew 13:43. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 8:1, Matthew 17:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18