Acts 6:5
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the saying
G3056
λόγος
the saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 31
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πίστεως
of faith
G4102
πίστεως
of faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
14 of 31
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
16 of 31
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
ἁγίου
of the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
of the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
17 of 31
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Φίλιππον
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππον
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
19 of 31
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 11:24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.Acts 21:8And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.Acts 6:8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.Acts 6:3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.Acts 13:1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.Acts 6:10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.Acts 11:19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Historical Context
Stephen ('crown'), Philip ('lover of horses'), and others with Greek names indicate Hellenistic Jewish background. Their appointment around AD 32-33 satisfied the Greek-speaking Christians' concerns while unleashing gifted leaders.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the choice of Hellenistic deacons teach about resolving church conflicts?
- How can churches identify and empower emerging leaders through serving roles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The selection of seven men, all bearing Greek names, demonstrates the majority's willingness to entrust ministry to the offended minority. Stephen and Philip's future prominence shows these 'deacons' weren't limited to food service but became powerful evangelists. This principle of empowering potential leaders proved fruitful.