1
At that time, when the number of the disciples was increasing, a complaint arose among the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

2
Then the twelve called the whole body of the disciples together and said, “It is not fitting that we should neglect the word of God to serve tables.

3
Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty,

4
but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5
This saying pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.

6
These they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7
The word of God increased, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly. A great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8
Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

9
But some of those who belonged to the synagogue called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including men from Cyrene and Alexandria, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.

10
Yet they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11
Then they secretly persuaded men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

12
They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council.

13
They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking words against this holy place and the law;

14
for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

15
All who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at Stephen, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

📖 Acts 6 – Ordered Ministry & Stephen’s Character

🧾 Summary of Acts 6

This chapter is divided into two main parts:

The appointment of seven deacons to serve the practical needs of the church
Stephen is arrested because of his remarkable ministry and witness

1. Social Ministry & the Appointment of Seven Servants (verses 1–7)

The number of disciples was increasing, but a dispute arose between the Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews.
The Greek-speaking group felt that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of aid.
The apostles realized that they must focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, not on logistics.
So they appointed seven men who were of good character, full of the Spirit and wisdom, including Stephen.
These seven servants were set apart with prayer and the laying on of hands.
The result was: the word of God spread further, the number of disciples greatly increased, and many priests came to faith and believed.

2. Stephen’s Witness & Arrest (verses 8–15)

Stephen, full of grace and power, performed signs and wonders among the people.
Some from the group called the “Freedmen” argued with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit speaking through him.
So they stirred up and bribed false witnesses who accused Stephen of blaspheming Moses and God.
Stephen was then seized and brought before the council (the Sanhedrin).
Yet Stephen’s face shone like the face of an angel, showing that he was filled with the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of threat.

📘 Key Teachings of Acts 6

Ministry in the church must be orderly, so that neither practical nor spiritual needs are neglected.
The Lord calls people who are of integrity and full of the Holy Spirit to serve, not only those who are gifted.
Unity and concern for justice are part of the church’s witness.
True witness may sometimes bring opposition, but the Holy Spirit gives strength.
Stephen stands as an example that heavenly wisdom overcomes worldly argument.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of Acts 6

The unity of the church must be guarded through fair and wise service.
God uses not only preachers, but also servants of mercy to extend His kingdom.
Righteous people like Stephen are not promised an easy life, but they are promised the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Stephen’s shining face shows that the glory of God is present in suffering for the sake of truth.