The sixth chapter of the Book of Acts marks a critical turning point in the early Christian church. It is a short chapter, often overshadowed by the dramatic events that precede and follow it, yet it contains profound lessons on leadership, administration, and spiritual growth. This passage details the first internal challenge faced by the burgeoning community of believers and the apostolic solution that not only resolved the issue but also propelled the church into its next phase of expansion. This article provides a comprehensive exegesis of Acts 6, exploring its historical context, key characters, and enduring significance for the modern church.
The Historical Context: Growth and Growing Pains in the Early Church
Following the Day of Pentecost described in Acts 2, the early church experienced rapid and explosive growth. Thousands of new believers were added to their number, creating a unique communal society where members often sold their possessions to support one another. This included a daily distribution of food to those in need, particularly widows who, in that culture, were among the most vulnerable without a male provider.
However, this very success bred the first signs of internal conflict. The church was composed of two primary groups of Hellenistic Jews: Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews from the Diaspora) and Hebrews (Aramaic-speaking Jews from Judea and Galilee). As the community grew, a complaint arose that the Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food in favor of the Hebrew widows. This was not merely a logistical issue; it was a cultural and ethnic tension that threatened the unity of the church—a unity that was its greatest strength and testimony.
The Complaint: A Threat to Church Unity
The complaint is recorded in Acts 6:1: “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.”
This verse highlights several important points:
- The Scale of Growth: The issue arose specifically because the number of disciples was increasing. Growth, while a blessing, requires new structures and leadership.
- The Nature of the Problem: The complaint was about perceived favoritism and neglect in a practical, merciful ministry. The spiritual mission was being hindered by an administrative failure.
- The Potential for Division: The complaint was along cultural lines (“Hellenistic Jews… against the Hebraic Jews”). Left unaddressed, this could have fractured the church into factions.
The Apostolic Solution: Prioritizing Prayer and the Ministry of the Word
The twelve apostles, upon hearing the complaint, convened the entire body of disciples. Their response, found in Acts 6:2-4, is a masterclass in spiritual leadership:
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
The apostles did not dismiss the complaint as trivial. They recognized its seriousness but also understood their primary calling. Their solution involved:
- Acknowledging Their Priorities: They could not abandon their core responsibilities of prayer and preaching to manage administrative tasks. This was not arrogance but strategic focus.
- Empowering the Congregation: The solution was not imposed from the top down. The apostles instructed the community to choose the men for the task.
- Setting High Qualifications: The candidates were not to be chosen based on social status or wealth, but on spiritual maturity: being “full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
This decision established a crucial principle of delegation and specialization within the church body, allowing each member to serve according to their gifts.
The Appointment of the Seven: The First Deacons
The congregation’s choice fell upon seven men, all of whom have Greek names, suggesting they were likely from the Hellenistic Jewish community—a wise move to address the specific complaint directly.
The Seven Men Named in Acts 6:5 are:
- Stephen (described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”)
- Philip (who later becomes a famous evangelist)
- Procorus
- Nicanor
- Timon
- Parmenas
- Nicolas from Antioch (a convert to Judaism)
These men were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them, a sign of commissioning, authority, and spiritual blessing. This act formally set them apart for their service ministry.
The Powerful Results: Growth and the Ministry of Stephen
The immediate outcome of this wise decision was profound peace and continued growth. Acts 6:7 states, “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
By solving the practical problem with spiritual wisdom, the church removed a barrier to the gospel. The narrative then shifts focus to Stephen, one of the seven. He was not just an administrator; he was a man of great spiritual power who performed “great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). His powerful ministry led to debate with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who could not stand against his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. This opposition eventually led to false accusations, his arrest, and his powerful speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7, culminating in him becoming the first Christian martyr.
Key Takeaways from Acts 6 for the Modern Church
- Leadership Requires Focus: Effective leaders must identify and prioritize their primary God-given tasks, delegating other important responsibilities.
- Practical Ministries are Spiritual Ministries: Serving tables is as much a “spiritual” work as preaching when done to serve the body of Christ. The distinction is in function, not importance.
- Qualifications for Service are Spiritual: Leaders in all areas of church life must be characterized by being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
- Delegation Empowers the Church: Empowering others to serve unlocks the diverse gifts within the congregation and fosters unity.
- Address Conflict Directly and Wisely: Ignoring grievances can lead to division. The apostles addressed the complaint immediately and inclusively.
- God Uses Willing Servants: Stephen was chosen for practical service, but his faithfulness in that role led to a powerful evangelistic and prophetic ministry.
Conclusion
Acts 6 is far more than a story about appointing the first deacons. It is a foundational chapter on church governance, conflict resolution, and the multiplication of ministry. It demonstrates how a practical problem, when addressed with spiritual wisdom, can become a catalyst for greater growth and gospel impact. The example of Stephen reminds us that those who are faithful in seemingly mundane service are often the same people God empowers for extraordinary witness. The principles laid down in this chapter continue to provide a timeless blueprint for healthy, growing, and Spirit-led churches today.