The Choosing of the Seven: Acts 6:1-7

         Luke tells us that this time was a time when the Body of Christ was growing by leaps and bounds. In verse 1 we have the first mention, in the book of Acts, of the word “disciple.” Verse 1 also relates that there arose a dispute among the Hebrew and Hellenistic Jews. Who were these groups? The Hebrews were the native-born Jews who had accepted Jesus as the Messiah. The Hellenistic Jews were the ones who had been brought up in places where the Greek language was spoken, and Greek culture was predominant. These also had accepted Jesus as Lord of their lives. Luke tells us that the widows in this group were being neglected in the daily serving of food. We are not given the reason, just that they were.

         We’re told that the Twelve called the people together. The Twelve informed them that they did not have the time to wait on tables themselves. It was their ministry to be in prayer and teach the Word of God. Verse three gives us the qualifications for, what some have said, is the office of deacon. The text does not say that they were deacons. It is interesting to note that the qualifications for a deacon are found elsewhere in Scripture, are not the ones mentioned here. R. J. Kidwell, long-time professor of Bible at Cincinnati Bible college, wrote this,

         “The men chosen in Acts 6 were selected for a ‘particular’ need in a ‘particular’ city at a ‘particular’ time and the word ‘deacon’ does not appear in the text. Since there were no ‘elders’ in the church at this time, if these men were ‘deacons’” it would mean that this office was established before the ‘eldership.’

 

         The qualifications for these ‘seven’ are not the same qualifications set forth later for the office of ‘deacon.’ It is also observed that when we read of these men later, they were not serving in Jerusalem as ‘deacons’ but some are preaching evangelists in far cities from Jerusalem. Note also: when one of these men is referred to in Acts 21:8, he is not called a ‘deacon’, but ‘one of the seven.’ This phrase may well be the best way to designate them: ‘the seven.’”

 

         What were the qualifications for “the seven?” (1) Men of good reputation, (2) Full of the Holy Spirit, (3) Of Wisdom. The Apostles said that the ones chosen would be put in charge of the task of serving the widows in the daily serving of food. Verse 4 gives us who the church chose as “the seven.”

         Verse 6 tells us that the Twelve, after prater, laid their hands on the seven men. In verse 7 we are told that the Word of God kept spreading and that the number of the body kept increasing in Jerusalem. Also, many priests came to know Jesus as the true Messiah of Israel.

The Ministry of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15)

         Of the seven who were chosen to serve the church in Jerusalem, only Stephen and Phillip get further mention in the Book of Acts. We will be mentioning Phillip later in our studies. At this time, and in the next chapter, we’re going to center our thoughts on Stephen, who became the first Christian martyr.

         Verse 8 informs us that Stephen was doing great works and performing signs and wonders. This would be because of the laying on of the hands of the apostles. Stephen then came upon some persecution in verse 9. It says at this time, some from the Synagogue of the Freedmen were debating and arguing with Stephen. The verse also informs us where these men came from.

         Verse 10 tells us that the Jews were unable to hold their ground with Stephen. These Jews were from provinces where the Greek culture was prevalent. We’re told that he was speaking with the backing of the Holy Spirit. Verse 11 reminds us of the Trial of Jesus. Just as the authorities could not find anything to condemn Jesus, they could find nothing against Stephen.  We’re told that they brought in false witnesses to twist the truth, They brought in those who were willing to lie about what they heard the Christians preach and teach. Does that not remind you of the trial of the Lord of Glory?

         Verse 12 tells us that the ones from the Synagogue of the Freedmen were the ones who were stirring up the people. Then they dragged Stephen before the Sanhedrin on the trumped-up charge of blasphemy.  They accused him of preaching things contrary to the Mosaic Law. Verse 11 says they accused him of blasphemous words against Moses and against God. Verse 13 tells us that the false witnesses came forward and lied about what Stephen had taught. In verse 14 we are told that they had been misquoting Stephen’s words. Stephen was accused of preaching that Jesus was going to destroy the Temple and alter Mosaic Law. The concluding verse in the chapter says that the Council, as they gazed upon Stephen’s face, saw his face as that of an angel.

         Please read the 7^th chapter of Acts. We will be seeing how this man of God handled his defense before the Sanhedrin. The title of the lesson will be “Stephen Give the Sanhedrin a History Lesson.” Be with us next time. Maranatha!