Acts 6:5

Authorized King James Version

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤρεσεν

G700

pleased

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος

G3056

the saying

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἐνώπιον

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

παντὸς

G3956

the whole

all, any, every, the whole

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλήθους

G4128

multitude

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἐξελέξαντο

G1586

they chose

to select

#11

Στέφανον

G4736

Stephen

stephanus, a christian

#12

ἄνδρα

G435

a man

a man (properly as an individual male)

#13

πλήρη

G4134

full

replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

#14

πίστεως

G4102

of faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

πνεύματος

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#17

ἁγίου

G40

of the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

Φίλιππον

G5376

Philip

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

Πρόχορον

G4402

Prochorus

before the dance; prochorus, a christian

#22

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

Νικάνορα

G3527

Nicanor

victorious; nicanor, a christian

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

Τίμωνα

G5096

Timon

valuable; timon, a christian

#26

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#27

Παρμενᾶν

G3937

Parmenas

constant; parmenas, a christian

#28

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

Νικόλαον

G3532

Nicolas

victorious over the people; nicolas, a heretic

#30

προσήλυτον

G4339

a proselyte

an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., (specially), an acceder (convert) to judaism ("proselyte")

#31

Ἀντιοχέα

G491

of Antioch

an antiochian or inhabitant of antiochia

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul