Acts 6:5

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Study Bible

This proposal pleased the whole group.
The early church was facing internal challenges, particularly regarding the distribution of food to widows. The proposal to appoint seven men to oversee this task was met with approval, indicating unity and consensus among the believers. This reflects the early church's commitment to communal harmony and practical solutions to maintain peace and order.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,
Stephen is highlighted as a man of exceptional spiritual character, filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. This description sets the stage for his later role as the first Christian martyr (Acts 7). His faith and spiritual fullness are reminiscent of the qualities seen in leaders throughout Scripture, such as Moses and David, who were also chosen for their deep relationship with God.

as well as Philip,
Philip later becomes an evangelist, known for his role in spreading the Gospel to Samaria and his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). His selection here foreshadows his significant contributions to the early church's mission and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries.

Prochorus,
Little is known about Prochorus, but tradition holds that he may have been a companion of John the Apostle and possibly the author of the Gospel of John. His inclusion signifies the diverse backgrounds and potential future roles of these early church leaders.

Nicanor,
Nicanor's name is Greek, suggesting that he, like the others, was likely a Hellenistic Jew. This reflects the church's inclusivity and the importance of addressing the needs of Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, which was a central issue leading to the appointment of these seven men.

Timon,
Timon, like the others, was chosen to help bridge the cultural and linguistic divide within the early church. His role underscores the importance of service and administration in the church's mission, ensuring that practical needs were met alongside spiritual growth.

Parmenas,
Parmenas is another of the seven chosen to serve. His selection highlights the church's emphasis on character and reputation, as these men were chosen for their ability to manage the church's resources wisely and fairly.

and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
Nicolas is noted as a proselyte from Antioch, indicating he was a Gentile who converted to Judaism before becoming a Christian. This detail emphasizes the early church's diversity and the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers, aligning with the broader biblical theme of the Gospel being for all nations. Antioch later becomes a significant center for early Christianity, further highlighting Nicolas's importance in the church's expansion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Stephen
Described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit," Stephen is the first named among the seven chosen. He later becomes the first Christian martyr.

2. Philip
Another of the seven, Philip is known for his evangelistic work, including the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.

3. Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas
These men are less prominently featured in the New Testament, but they were chosen for their good reputation and spiritual qualifications.

4. Nicolas from Antioch
A convert to Judaism, Nicolas is noted for his background, indicating the diverse nature of the early church.

5. The Whole Group
Refers to the early Christian community in Jerusalem, which was involved in the decision-making process.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Spiritual Qualifications
The early church prioritized spiritual qualifications over mere administrative skills. This highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and faith in any ministry role.

Diversity in the Early Church
The selection of Nicolas, a convert from Antioch, shows the inclusivity and diversity of the early church, setting a precedent for embracing different backgrounds in the body of Christ.

Community Involvement in Decision-Making
The whole group was pleased with the proposal, indicating the value of communal discernment and unity in church decisions.

Role of Deacons in the Church
The seven were chosen to serve, illustrating the biblical model of deacons as servants who support the ministry of the Word and care for the practical needs of the community.

Bible Study Questions

1. What qualities made Stephen and the others suitable for their roles, and how can we apply these qualities in our own lives and ministries?

2. How does the inclusion of Nicolas, a convert from Antioch, challenge us to embrace diversity within our own church communities?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our church decision-making processes reflect the unity and communal involvement seen in Acts 6:5?

4. How does the role of deacons in the early church inform our understanding of service and leadership in the church today?

5. How can we cultivate a life "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" in our personal walk with Christ, and what practical steps can we take to grow in these areas?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 2:4
The mention of being "full of the Holy Spirit" connects to the Pentecost event, where the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, empowering them for ministry.

1 Timothy 3:8-13
The qualifications for deacons outlined by Paul echo the qualities seen in the seven chosen in Acts 6:5, emphasizing the importance of character and faithfulness.

Acts 8:26-40
Philip's evangelistic work, particularly with the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrates the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities.