What is the meaning of Acts 6?

Introduction to Acts 6

Acts 6 marks a pivotal moment in the early Messianic community as it addresses the first major administrative challenge within the rapidly growing congregation. This chapter introduces us to the selection of the first seven deacons and provides a glimpse into the expanding influence of the early believers, particularly through the ministry of Stephen. The events recorded here demonstrate how the early church handled internal conflicts while maintaining its focus on spreading the Gospel message.

The chapter serves as a bridge between the initial establishment of the Messianic community and its eventual expansion beyond Jerusalem, setting the stage for the significant persecution that would soon follow. Through the elegant resolution of a potential cultural divide and the powerful ministry of Stephen, we see divine wisdom at work in building Yeshua’s community.

Context of Acts 6

Within the book of Acts, chapter 6 follows the dramatic events of Ananias and Sapphira and the increasing persecution of the apostles by the Sanhedrin. The early believers had been experiencing exponential growth, with thousands joining their ranks. This rapid expansion brought with it new challenges, particularly in the equitable distribution of resources among the diverse community of believers.

This chapter is strategically positioned at a crucial juncture in the narrative of Acts. It marks the transition from the apostles’ ministry being centered primarily in Jerusalem to the beginning of a wider outreach. The selection of the seven men, all with Greek names, indicates the growing influence of Hellenistic Jews within the Messianic community and foreshadows the eventual spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world.

The events in Acts 6 also set the stage for the first martyrdom in the early church and the subsequent persecution that would scatter believers throughout Judea and Samaria, fulfilling Yeshua’s commission in Acts 1:8. This chapter thus serves as a crucial link in the expanding mission of the early believers, demonstrating how internal challenges were resolved and external opposition was faced with wisdom and grace.

Ancient Key Word Study

• διακονία (diakonia) – This term, traditionally translated as “ministry” or “service,” appears multiple times in this chapter. In ancient Greek culture, it specifically referred to table service, but in the Messianic context, it took on a broader meaning of caring for the practical needs of the community. The word emphasizes the humble, practical nature of service that characterized the early believing community.
• γογγυσμός (gongusmos) – Translated as “complaint” or “murmuring,” this word carries echoes of Israel’s wilderness complaints against Moses. The term was specifically chosen to draw a parallel between the challenges faced by Moses and those faced by the apostles, highlighting the need for wise leadership in times of communal tension.
• Ἑλληνιστής (Hellenistes) – Referring to “Hellenistic Jews,” this term designated Jews who primarily spoke Greek and were more influenced by Greek culture. The word reveals the cultural diversity within the early Messianic community and the potential for both enrichment and tension that such diversity brought.
• σοφία (sophia) – “Wisdom” in this context goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge. The term, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, refers to divine wisdom that enables practical problem-solving and spiritual discernment. It was a key qualification for the seven men chosen to serve.
• πλήρης (pleres) – Translated as “full” or “filled,” this word is used to describe both Stephen’s character and his spiritual endowment. In ancient usage, it implied completeness and abundance, suggesting not just a partial filling but a complete saturation with the qualities mentioned.
• χάρις (charis) – While often translated simply as “grace,” in this context it carries the fuller meaning of divine enablement and favor that manifests in powerful ministry. The term was used in both Jewish and Hellenistic contexts to describe divine blessing and empowerment.
• δύναμις (dunamis) – This word for “power” specifically refers to miraculous power or ability. In the context of Stephen’s ministry, it indicates supernatural demonstrations that authenticated his message and ministry.
• μάρτυς (martus) – While literally meaning “witness,” this term would soon take on additional significance through Stephen’s death, eventually giving us the word “martyr.” It emphasizes the role of personal testimony in spreading the Gospel message.
• συναγωγή (synagoge) – The mention of specific synagogues in this chapter provides important historical context. These were not just places of worship but centers of community life and theological debate for diaspora Jews in Jerusalem.

Compare & Contrast

• Verse 1: The phrase “daily distribution” (καθημερινῇ διακονίᾳ) was chosen over other possible terms for service or charity. This specific combination emphasizes both the regularity (“daily”) and the organized nature (“distribution”) of the community’s care for its members, reflecting the systematic approach to meeting needs that characterized the early believing community.
• Verse 2: The apostles’ statement “It would not be right” (οὐκ ἀρεστόν ἐστιν) uses a term that implies more than just impropriety – it suggests a divine ordering of priorities. The word choice reflects both wisdom in administration and recognition of spiritual calling.
• Verse 3: The qualification “full of the Spirit and wisdom” combines both Hebraic (רוח הקודש – Ruach HaKodesh) and Hellenistic (σοφία) concepts, bridging cultural perspectives in the selection criteria.
• Verse 5: The list of seven men with Greek names was deliberately included to show the community’s commitment to cultural integration and trust. The text could have simply stated that seven men were chosen, but the specific naming demonstrates the importance of representation and inclusion.
• Verse 7: The phrase “priests became obedient to the faith” uses language that would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile readers. The term “obedient” (ὑπήκουον) carries connotations of both intellectual assent and practical submission.
• Verse 8: Stephen is described as performing “great wonders and signs” using terms (τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα) that parallel the ministry of Moses, deliberately connecting his ministry to the great deliverer of Israel.
• Verse 13: The accusation of speaking against “this holy place” uses terminology (τοῦ τόπου τοῦ ἁγίου) that would have special significance in Jewish contexts, where the Temple was often referred to by circumlocution.

Acts 6 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating study in early church administration and the blending of Jewish and Hellenistic cultures within the Messianic community. The selection of the seven men, traditionally considered the first deacons, reveals an important principle of spiritual leadership – the combination of practical wisdom and spiritual power. All seven men had Greek names, suggesting they were Hellenistic Jews, yet they were chosen to serve the entire community, including the Hebrew-speaking Jews.

Rabbinical literature of the period suggests that Jerusalem had nearly 480 synagogues, many catering to specific diaspora communities. The synagogues mentioned in verses 9-10 were gathering places for Jews from specific regions, highlighting the international nature of Jerusalem’s Jewish community. The Synagogue of the Freedmen likely included descendants of Jews who had been taken to Rome as slaves and later freed, adding another layer of cultural complexity to the situation.

The chapter also provides insight into the rapid growth of the Messianic community among priests. According to Josephus, there were approximately 20,000 priests and Levites in Jerusalem at this time. The text’s specific mention of priests converting suggests a significant impact on the religious establishment, possibly creating tension that contributed to the opposition against Stephen.

The accusations against Stephen mirror those brought against Yeshua, particularly regarding the temple and the law. This parallel is not coincidental but reflects a deeper understanding of how the Messiah’s teachings were transforming traditional Jewish institutions and practices. Stephen’s discourse, which follows in chapter 7, would become the longest recorded speech in Acts, suggesting its crucial importance in the narrative.

Acts 6 Connections to Yeshua

The events in Acts 6 profoundly connect to Yeshua’s ministry and teachings. The issue of serving tables recalls the Last Supper, where Yeshua Himself served His disciples and taught them about true spiritual leadership through service. The selection of the seven men reflects Yeshua’s teaching that the greatest in His kingdom must be servants of all (Matthew 20:26-28).

The chapter also demonstrates the fulfillment of Yeshua’s promise that His followers would do even greater works (John 14:12). Stephen, full of grace and power, performs great wonders and signs among the people, continuing the miraculous ministry of the Messiah. The opposition he faces parallels Yeshua’s own experience with religious authorities, foreshadowing his role as the first martyr of the Messianic community.

Acts 6 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and passages. The selection of seven men echoes Moses’ appointment of seventy elders (Numbers 11:16-17), demonstrating continuity in God’s pattern of distributing leadership responsibilities. The complaint about neglect in the daily distribution recalls the wilderness complaints about food distribution (Exodus 16).

The description of Stephen’s wisdom in debate recalls Solomon’s God-given wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34). The accusation about changing customs echoes prophetic teachings about the transformation of worship (Isaiah 66:1-2). The presence of the Spirit in Stephen’s ministry connects to prophetic expectations of the Spirit’s outpouring (Joel 2:28-29).

Acts 6 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine how we handle growth and diversity in our own faith communities. The apostles’ response to the complaint demonstrates godly leadership – they listened to the concern, recognized its legitimacy, and implemented a solution that strengthened rather than divided the community. We’re called to similar wisdom in addressing challenges in our congregations today.

Stephen’s example encourages us to serve faithfully in whatever role God assigns us. Though appointed to “wait on tables,” his ministry expanded to include powerful testimonies and miracles. This reminds us that no service is insignificant in God’s kingdom when done with full devotion to Him.

The chapter also challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward cultural differences within the body of believers. The early church’s willingness to address and accommodate cultural diversity provides a model for contemporary congregations facing similar challenges.

Did You Know

• The term “deacon” comes from the Greek word διάκονος (diakonos) used in this chapter, though the seven men are never explicitly called deacons in the text.
• All seven men chosen had Greek names, suggesting they were Hellenistic Jews, showing remarkable trust from the Hebrew-speaking majority in allowing the minority group to oversee this important ministry.
• The “daily distribution” likely included both food and financial assistance, similar to the Jewish practice of quppah (charity fund) and tamhui (daily food distribution).
• The Synagogue of the Freedmen mentioned in verse 9 likely included descendants of Jews taken to Rome by Pompey in 63 BCE who had later been freed.
• Stephen’s name means “crown” in Greek, foreshadowing his role as the first to receive the crown of martyrdom.
• The number of priests who believed (verse 7) would have been significant, as priests were generally among the more conservative elements of Jewish society.
• Archaeological evidence has confirmed the existence of separate synagogues for different linguistic and cultural groups in Jerusalem during this period.
• The phrase “wisdom and the Spirit” in verse 10 combines Greek philosophical ideals (wisdom) with Hebrew religious concepts (Spirit), reflecting the bridge-building nature of Stephen’s ministry.
• The accusation about changing customs delivered by Moses (verse 14) was particularly serious, as it could be considered a capital offense under Jewish law.
• The role of the Seven went beyond mere food distribution, as evidenced by Stephen’s and Philip’s subsequent ministries of teaching and evangelism.