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Acts 6

BSB·15 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1InἘνEn — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thoseταύταιςtautais — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → days when theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → disciplesμαθητῶνmathētōn — A learner or follower of a teacherG3101 — Full Word Study → were increasing in numberπληθυνόντωνplēthynontōn — To multiply, increase, or aboundG4129 — Full Word Study →, theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Grecian Jews among them beganἐγένετοegeneto — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → to grumbleγογγυσμὸςgongysmos — murmuring, complaining, grumblingG1112 — Full Word Study → againstπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hebraic Jews becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → widowsχῆραιchērai — A woman whose husband has diedG5503 — Full Word Study → were being overlookedπαρεθεωροῦντοparetheōrounto — to overlook, disregard, or neglectG3865 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → dailyκαθημερινῇkathēmerinē — occurring every day; dailyG2522 — Full Word Study → distribution of food. 2Soδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Twelveδώδεκαdōdeka — The number twelve; a complete setG1427 — Full Word Study → summonedΠροσκαλεσάμενοιProskalesamenoi — to call upon, summon, inviteG4341 — Full Word Study → allπλῆθοςplēthos — a large crowd or multitude of peopleG4128 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → disciplesμαθητῶνmathētōn — A learner or follower of a teacherG3101 — Full Word Study → and said, “It isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → unacceptableἀρεστόνareston — pleasing, acceptable, agreeableG701 — Full Word Study → for us to neglectκαταλείψανταςkataleipsantas — To leave behind, forsake, or abandonG2641 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → in order to wait on tablesτραπέζαιςtrapezais — table; dining surface or money tableG5132 — Full Word Study →. 3Thereforeδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, selectἐπισκέψασθεepiskepsasthe — to visit, care for, inspect, look uponG1980 — Full Word Study → fromἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → among youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → sevenἑπτὰhepta — the number sevenG2033 — Full Word Study → menἄνδραςandras — Adult male, man, or husbandG435 — Full Word Study → confirmed to beμαρτυρουμένουςmartyroumenous — To testify, bear witness, give testimonyG3140 — Full Word Study → fullπλήρειςplēreis — full, complete, filledG4134 — Full Word Study → of the Spirit andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → wisdomσοφίαςsophias — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study →. We will appoint thisταύτηςtautēs — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → responsibilityχρείαςchreias — physical need, necessity, requirementG5532 — Full Word Study → to them 4andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → will devote ourselvesπροσκαρτερήσομενproskarterēsomen — To persist steadfastly in or with somethingG4342 — Full Word Study → toτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prayerπροσευχῇproseuchē — Prayer, supplication, or earnest request to GodG4335 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ministryδιακονίᾳdiakonia — Service, ministry, or officeG1248 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγουlogou — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study →.” 5This proposalλόγοςlogos — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → pleasedἤρεσενēresen — to please, to be pleasing toG700 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wholeπαντὸςpantos — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → groupπλήθουςplēthous — a large crowd or multitude of peopleG4128 — Full Word Study →. They choseἐξελέξαντοexelexanto — to choose or select outG1586 — Full Word Study → StephenΣτέφανονStephanon — Crown or wreathG4736 — Full Word Study →, a manἄνδραandra — Adult male, man, or husbandG435 — Full Word Study → fullπλήρης*plērēs — full, complete, filledG4134 — Full Word Study → of faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → of the Holy SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, as well asκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhilipΦίλιππονPhilippon — Lover of horsesG5376 — Full Word Study →, ProchorusΠρόχορονProchoron — One who leads the wayG4402 — Full Word Study →, NicanorΝικάνοραNikanora — Victory of menG3527 — Full Word Study →, TimonΤίμωναTimōna — One who honorsG5096 — Full Word Study →, ParmenasΠαρμενᾶνParmenan — One of firm steadfastnessG3937 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → NicolasΝικόλαονNikolaon — victor of the peopleG3532 — Full Word Study → from AntiochἈντιοχέαAntiochea — Inhabitant of AntiochG491 — Full Word Study →, a convert to Judaism. 6They presentedἔστησανestēsan — to stand, establish, or cause to standG2476 — Full Word Study → these seven toἐνώπιονenōpion — in the presence of, before, in front ofG1799 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → apostlesἀποστόλωνapostolōn — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study →, who prayedπροσευξάμενοιproseuxamenoi — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → and laid their handsχεῖραςcheiras — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study → on themαὐτοῖςautois — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 7So theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγοςlogos — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → continued to spreadηὔξανενēuxanen — to grow, increase, or enlargeG837 — Full Word Study →. Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → numberἀριθμὸςarithmos — Number, numerical quantity, multitudeG706 — Full Word Study → ofτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → disciplesμαθητῶνmathētōn — A learner or follower of a teacherG3101 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → JerusalemἸερουσαλὴμIerousalēm — Holy City of GodG2419 — Full Word Study → grewἐπληθύνετοeplēthyneto — To multiply, increase, or aboundG4129 — Full Word Study → rapidlyσφόδραsphodra — very, exceedingly, greatlyG4970 — Full Word Study →, andτεte — and; both; also; evenG5037 — Full Word Study → a greatπολύςpolys — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → numberὄχλοςochlos — A crowd or multitude of people gathered togetherG3793 — Full Word Study → ofτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → priestsἱερέωνhiereōn — priest; one who offers sacrificesG2409 — Full Word Study → became obedientὑπήκουονhypēkouon — to obey, to listen and complyG5219 — Full Word Study → to theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. 8Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → StephenΣτέφανοςStephanos — Crown or wreathG4736 — Full Word Study →, who was full of graceχάριτοςcharitos — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → powerδυνάμεωςdynameōs — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study →, was performingἐποίειepoiei — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → greatμεγάλαmegala — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → wondersτέραταterata — miraculous signs or wondersG5059 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → signsσημεῖαsēmeia — A sign, miracle, or supernatural tokenG4592 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → peopleλαῷlaō — a people; a nation; the common peopleG2992 — Full Word Study →. 9Butδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → resistance aroseἀνέστησανanestēsan — to rise up, stand up, or raise upG450 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → whatτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → was calledλεγομένηςlegomenēs — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → the Synagogue of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → FreedmenΛιβερτίνωνLibertinōn — Freedmen, formerly enslaved personsG3032 — Full Word Study →, includingκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → CyreniansΚυρηναίωνKyrēnaiōn — Person from CyreneG2956 — Full Word Study →, AlexandriansἈλεξανδρέωνAlexandreōn — AlexandrianG221 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → menτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → the provinces of Cilicia andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → AsiaἈσίαςAsias — Roman province in Asia MinorG773 — Full Word Study →. They began to argue withτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → StephenΣτεφάνῳStephanō — Crown or wreathG4736 — Full Word Study →, 10but they could notἴσχυονischyon — to be strong, to have power or abilityG2480 — Full Word Study → stand up toἀντιστῆναιantistēnai — to resist, oppose, or stand againstG436 — Full Word Study → his wisdomσοφίᾳsophia — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study → or theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματιPneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → by whomhō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → he spokeἐλάλειelalei — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →. 11ThenΤότεTote — at that time, then, thereuponG5119 — Full Word Study → they promptedὑπέβαλονhypebalon — to instigate, suborn, or incite someone to wrongdoingG5260 — Full Word Study → some men to sayλέγονταςlegontas — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →, “We heardἈκηκόαμενAkēkoamen — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → Stephen speakλαλοῦντοςlalountos — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → wordsῥήματαrhēmata — A spoken word or utterance; a declarationG4487 — Full Word Study → of blasphemyβλάσφημαblasphēma — Blasphemous; slanderous; revilingG989 — Full Word Study → againstεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → MosesΜωϋσῆνMōusēn — The lawgiver and prophetG3475 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → against God.” 12So they stirred upσυνεκίνησάνsynekinēsan — to stir up together, agitate emotionallyG4787 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → peopleλαὸνlaon — a people; a nation; the common peopleG2992 — Full Word Study →, eldersπρεσβυτέρουςpresbyterous — An elder; one who is older or senior in authorityG4245 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → confronted Stephen. They seizedσυνήρπασανsynērpasan — To seize or snatch away suddenlyG4884 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → brought him beforeεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Sanhedrinσυνέδριονsynedrion — council, governing assembly, or judicial bodyG4892 — Full Word Study →, 13where they presentedἜστησάνEstēsan — to stand, establish, or cause to standG2476 — Full Word Study → falseψευδεῖςpseudeis — false, deceitful, or lyingG5571 — Full Word Study → witnessesμάρτυραςmartyras — One who testifies or bears witness; martyrG3144 — Full Word Study → who said, “Thisοὗτοςhoutos — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → manἄνθρωποςanthrōpos — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → never stopsπαύεταιpauetai — to cease, stop, or refrain fromG3973 — Full Word Study → speakingλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → againstκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → this[τούτου]toutou — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → holyἁγίουhagiou — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → placeτόπουtopou — A physical or geographical location; a place or regionG5117 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → against the lawνόμουnomou — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study →. 14Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → we have heardἀκηκόαμενakēkoamen — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → himαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → sayλέγοντοςlegontos — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ofho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → NazarethΝαζωραῖοςNazōraios — Nazarene, from NazarethG3480 — Full Word Study → will destroyκαταλύσειkatalysei — to destroy, demolish, or lodge as a guestG2647 — Full Word Study → thisτοῦτονtouton — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → placeτόπονtopon — A physical or geographical location; a place or regionG5117 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → changeἀλλάξειallaxei — To exchange, transform, or alter something completelyG236 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → customsἔθηethē — Custom, habit, or established practiceG1485 — Full Word Study → thatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → MosesΜωϋσῆςMōusēs — The lawgiver and prophetG3475 — Full Word Study → handed downπαρέδωκενparedōken — to hand over; to deliver up; to betrayG3860 — Full Word Study → to usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →.” 15Allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → were sittingκαθεζόμενοιkathezomenoi — to sit down, be seatedG2516 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Sanhedrinσυνεδρίῳsynedriō — council, governing assembly, or judicial bodyG4892 — Full Word Study → looked intentlyἀτενίσαντεςatenisantes — to gaze intently or fixedlyG816 — Full Word Study → atεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → Stephen, and they saw that hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → faceπρόσωπονprosōpon — Face, presence, or outward appearanceG4383 — Full Word Study → was like the face of an angelἀγγέλουangelou — Messenger; divine or heavenly envoyG32 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Acts 6
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Acts 6 marks a turning point in the life of the Jerusalem church. As the number of believers multiplies, internal tensions arise over the fair distribution of aid to widows. Rather than allowing this practical matter to distract from their apostolic calling, the twelve apostles wisely delegate this responsibility to seven spiritually qualified men. This chapter demonstrates the importance of proper church organization, the empowerment of lay leaders, and introduces us to Stephen, whose faith and power will soon lead him to become Christianity's first martyr.

Verses 1-4: The Problem and the Solution

The early church faced its first recorded internal conflict. The "Grecians" (Greek-speaking Jewish Christians) complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food and aid compared to the "Hebrews" (Aramaic-speaking Jewish Christians). This wasn't a matter of intentional discrimination, but rather the natural challenge of managing a rapidly growing community with limited administrative structures.

Rather than dismissing the complaint or handling it themselves, the apostles recognized a crucial principle: their primary calling was prayer and the proclamation of God's Word (verse 4). They wisely directed the congregation to select seven men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this vital ministry. The apostles understood that delegating administrative duties wasn't a loss of authority but a multiplication of ministry. This teaches us that effective leadership involves empowering others for their God-given roles.

Verses 5-7: The Selection and Its Fruit

The congregation chose seven men, including Stephen and Philip, who would become prominent figures in Acts. These men possessed not just competence but spiritual character. Notice that verse 6 records the apostles prayed before laying hands on these men—a practice that set apart and commissioned them for this task. This isn't ordination in the modern sense, but rather a public recognition and blessing of their appointment.

Verse 7 reveals the beautiful result: the Word of God continued to increase, disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and even many priests became obedient to the faith. When the church functions properly—with prayer-focused leadership and Spirit-filled servants handling practical matters—spiritual growth follows. God blesses an orderly, humble community that prioritizes His Word above all else.

Verses 8-15: Stephen's Ministry and Opposition

Stephen was no ordinary administrator. Verse 8 describes him as "full of faith and power," performing great wonders and miracles among the people. His spiritual gifts and courage attracted opposition from certain synagogues, particularly those of Hellenistic Jews who felt threatened by his effectiveness.

Unable to defeat Stephen's wisdom and the Spirit's power in debate (verse 10), his opponents resorted to falsehood. They suborned false witnesses who accused him of blaspheming Moses and God (verses 11-14). Verse 15 provides a striking image: as Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, those who looked upon him saw his face shining like an angel's face—a visible sign of God's presence and approval upon him, reminiscent of Moses' appearance after encountering God on Mount Sinai.

Application for Today

This chapter reminds us that faithful church leadership involves both focus and delegation. Pastors and elders must protect their calling to prayer and the Word, yet the church thrives only when every believer—not just leaders—exercises their spiritual gifts in service. Are you looking for leaders in your church who combine practical competence with spiritual maturity? Are you willing to step into a place of humble service where God has gifted you? When our churches function this way, the Word of God increases, and the kingdom advances.

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