Lesson Eleven: Seven Men Chosen

Supplementary Materials

The Problem: Hebrews and Grecians The early church in Jerusalem consisted of two groups of Jews: Hebrews Grecians (Hellenists) Jews native to Palestine Jews from the Diaspora (scattered nations) Spoke Aramaic (Hebrew) Spoke Greek Followed Palestinian customs More influenced by Greek culture Read Hebrew Scriptures Read Septuagint (Greek translation)

Both groups were Jews who had become Christians. The complaint was that the Grecian widows were being "neglected in the daily ministration" (6:1) — the daily distribution of food or funds for their support. Whether intentional or not, the oversight created a murmuring that threatened the unity of the church.

The Solution: Division of Labor The apostles' response demonstrates wisdom in church leadership:

• They identified priorities: "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables" (6:2)
• They involved the congregation: "Look ye out among you" — the church chose the men
• They set qualifications: "Of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom"
• They delegated authority: "Whom we may appoint over this business"
• They maintained their focus: "We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (6:4)

The phrase "serve tables" does not demean the work — it simply acknowledges that different works require different workers. Both the ministry of the word and the ministry to physical needs are essential, but not everyone can do everything.

The Seven Men Chosen The congregation selected seven men, all with Greek names (suggesting sensitivity to the Grecian widows' concern): Name What We Know Stephen "Full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (6:5); did great wonders and miracles (6:8); first Christian martyr (7:59-60) Philip Later called "the evangelist" (21:8); preached in Samaria (8:5-13); converted the Ethiopian (8:26-40); had four prophesying daughters (21:9) Prochorus Named only here; tradition says he served with the apostle John Nicanor Named only here; nothing else known from Scripture Timon Named only here; nothing else known from Scripture Parmenas Named only here; nothing else known from Scripture

Name What We Know Nicolas "A proselyte of Antioch" — a Gentile convert to Judaism who then became a Christian; the only non-Jewish-born of the seven

Qualifications for Service The apostles specified three qualifications (6:3): Qualification Meaning "Of honest report" Good reputation; well spoken of; their character was known and respected by the church "Full of the Holy Spiritually mature; guided by the Spirit; exhibiting the Ghost" fruit of the Spirit in their lives "Full of... wisdom" Practical judgment; ability to handle situations wisely; skill in applying knowledge

Even for a work that might be considered "practical" rather than "spiritual," the qualifications were primarily spiritual. The handling of money and distribution of goods requires men of integrity, godliness, and wisdom.

Were These Men "Deacons"? These seven are often called "the first deacons," though the word "deacon" does not appear in Acts 6. Consider the evidence:

• The word "serve" in 6:2 is the Greek verb diakoneo, from which "deacon" comes
• The word "ministration" in 6:1 is the Greek noun diakonia (service/ministry)
• Their work involved practical service to the church's needs
• The office of "deacon" is later mentioned alongside "bishops" (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13)

Whether or not they held the formal office that developed later, these men were certainly engaged in diaconal service — ministering to the physical needs of the church so the apostles could focus on prayer and the word.

The Synagogue of the Libertines Stephen's opponents came from "the synagogue... of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia" (6:9). Who were these groups? Group Background Libertines "Freedmen" — Jews who had been enslaved (likely taken to Rome by Pompey in 63 BC) and later freed; or their descendants Cyrenians Jews from Cyrene in North Africa (modern Libya); Simon who carried Jesus' cross was from Cyrene (Mark 15:21) Alexandrians Jews from Alexandria in Egypt; a major center of Hellenistic Jewish learning Cilicia Jews from the region in Asia Minor; Tarsus (Paul's hometown) was in Cilicia — Paul may have been among those who disputed with Stephen!

Group Background Asia Jews from the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor); Ephesus was its chief city

The False Charges Against Stephen Unable to defeat Stephen in open debate (6:10), his opponents resorted to false witnesses (6:11-14). Compare the charges against Stephen to those against Jesus: Charges Against Stephen Charges Against Jesus "Blasphemous words against Moses, and "Blasphemy" — claimed to be Son of God against God" (6:11) (Matt. 26:65) "Words against this holy place" — the "Destroy this temple" (Matt. 26:61; John temple (6:13) 2:19) "Words... against the law" (6:13) Accused of breaking Sabbath, etc. (Matt. 12:10) "Jesus of Nazareth shall... change the Accused of threatening Jewish traditions customs" (6:14)

Like Jesus, Stephen was accused of blasphemy against God, the temple, and the Law. And like Jesus, the charges were based on distortions of what he actually taught.

"The Face of an Angel" As Stephen stood before the council, "all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel" (6:15). What does this mean?

• A calm, peaceful countenance in the face of hostility
• A radiance or glory, perhaps similar to Moses after meeting with God (Exod. 34:29-35)
• A visible testimony that he was a man of God, not a blasphemer
• An indication of the Spirit's presence with him as he faced his accusers

Key Cross-References

Note: The result of this wise solution was remarkable: "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" (6:7). Even priests were being converted!