Chapter 6
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1And 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.
2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
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.
4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
5And 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:
6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7And 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.
8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
9Then 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.
10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
“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.”
Overview
As the church grows, a complaint arises from Grecian Jews that their widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles appoint seven men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom to serve, allowing themselves to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. Among those chosen is Stephen, a man full of faith and power, who performs great wonders and is falsely accused before the Sanhedrin.
Key Themes
Servant Leadership
The appointment of the seven demonstrates that practical service in the church is a Spirit-empowered calling essential to the health and unity of the body.
Prioritizing the Word and Prayer
The apostles model the principle that spiritual leaders must guard their time for prayer and preaching even as the church's needs multiply.
Stephen's Faithful Witness
Stephen, chosen for humble service, becomes a bold witness whose wisdom and Spirit-filled testimony cannot be resisted by his opponents.
Study Questions
How does the church's response to the complaint about neglected widows model wise, Spirit-led problem-solving in a growing community?
What qualities were required of the seven men chosen for service (v. 3), and why are these qualities necessary for even practical ministry?
How does the principle that the apostles should not leave the word of God to serve tables apply to the balance between spiritual and practical ministry today?
What can we learn from Stephen about faithfulness in small assignments leading to greater opportunities for witness?
Why were Stephen's opponents unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke (v. 10), and what does this suggest about Spirit-empowered testimony?
Connection to Christ
Stephen is described as full of faith, grace, and power — a reflection of Christ Himself working through an ordinary believer. His bold, irresistible witness before the religious leaders foreshadows his Christlike death in the next chapter, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate faithful servant.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Acts 6. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?