Read Acts 6:1-7 (English Standard Version) on maBible, the Bible online. Other reference formats: Acts 6.1-7, Acts 6v1-7, Ac. 6:1-7. Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in t…
Other reference formats: Acts 6.1-7, Acts 6v1-7, Ac. 6:1-7.
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Passage themes
The growing church — the number of the disciples was multiplied
Murmuring among brothers — there arose a murmuring
The Greek-speaking believers — of the Grecians
Born a Hebrew — against the Hebrews
Caring for widows — their widows were neglected
The assembly gathered — Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them
Judging what is right — It is not reason
Delegating to stay faithful — that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables
One same family — brethren
Choosing the leaders — look ye out among you seven men
A recognized reputation — of honest report
The Spirit source of wisdom — full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom
The entrusted service — whom we may appoint over this business
Devoted to ministry — we will give ourselves continually
Persevering in prayer — to prayer
Everyone agreed — the saying pleased the whole multitude
A man full of God — Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost
Philip the evangelist — Philip
The name of the Nicolaitans — Nicolas
From the nations — a proselyte of Antioch
The word advancing — the word of God increased
The church growing — the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly
Priests won over — a great company of the priests
Believing means obeying — were obedient to the faith