The Acts of the Apostles
Acts 6
Chapter VI · Vol. IV, pp. 261–262
1 The apostles, desirous to have the poor regarded for their bodily sustenance, as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul, 3 appoint the office of deaconship to seven chosen men. 5 Of whom Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, is one. 12 Who is taken of those, whom he confounded in disputing, 13 and afterwards falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple.
1 And in those days, awhen the number of the disciples was multiplied, there barose a murmuring of the Grecians1 against the Hebrews, cbecause their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
A.D. cir. 34.
a Ex.1.12. Mat.13.31,32. Ps.72.16. ch.2.41,45,47;4.4,34;5.14,28.
1 Jews who lived among the Greeks, and spoke the Greek tongue. ch.9.29;11.20. [The Grecians were Jews or proselytes from the Greek cities,—the Hebrews, the Jews of Palestine or Jerusalem converted to Christianity; and the parties were, most probably, distinguished by speaking different languages—the one, the Greek; the other, the Syriac.—C.]
c Ja.1.27. 1 Ti.5.3-5,16. ch.4.35.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, dIt is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.2
d Ex.18.17-26. 1 Co.9.16. 2 Ti.2.4. ch.4.35.
2 It does not signify to serve out food at tables, but to attend to the tables where collections and distributions of money were made.—C.
3 Wherefore, brethren, elook ye out among you3 seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
e De.1.13. ch.16.2;14.23;1.21. 1 Ti.3.7,8,10. ver.8.
3 Among you. Either the entire body of believers, or the complaining Hellenists—most probably the latter, as the names are all Greek.—C.
4 Butg we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
g 1 Ti.4.13-16. 2 Ti.4.2. 1 Co.9.10;4.2. ch.2.42;20.31.
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose hStephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and iPhilip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and jNicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and whenk they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.4
k ch.1.24;13.3;8.17;14.23. 1 Ti.4.14;5.22. 2 Ti.1.6. Mat.19.13.
4 In token of approbation, and witness of appointment, not for conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost; for to persons already filled with his gifts the electors were confined.—C.—The laying on of hands was the Jewish symbolical form observed when bestowing a blessing (Ge.48.14) or designating to office (Nu.27.18). The apostles here, doubtless by divine authority, followed the Jewish order, which has ever since been observed in the church in the ordination of its office-bearers.—P.
7 Andl the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedientn to the faith.
9 Thenp there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines,5 and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
p ch.13.45;17.18. Ec.4.4. Pr.18.6,7.
5 Libertines. This title may signify persons who had been slaves, and who had obtained the freedom of the city of Rome. But as, without any word of exposition, it is connected with names derived from places, it is most probable that 'the Libertines' had been natives of the city Libertus or Libertina, in Africa, and who now resided, and had a synagogue, at Jerusalem.—C.
10 Andq they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
q Mat.10.19,20. Lu.21.15. ch.7.51. Ex.4.12. Is.54.17. ver.5,8,15. Je.1.9,18.
11 Thenr they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words6 against Moses, and against God.
r Mat.26.59,60. 1 Ki.21.10,13.
6 The blasphemy against Moses would be, the assertion of his inferiority to Christ; the blasphemy against God, the assertion of the co-equality of the Son.—C.
12 Ands they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
s ch.13.50;14.2;17.5,13. Mar.15.11.
13 Andt set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:Cited in WLC 145
t 1 Ki.21.10,13. Ps.27.12;35.11. ch.21.21.
14 Foru we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs7 which Moses delivered us.
15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, vsaw his face as it had been the face of an angel.8
v Ex.34.30,35. Mat.28.3.
8 Beauty, benevolence, composure, and dignity are most probably the chief qualities intended.—C.
Notes
Reflections.—It is hard to manage much business without much inconvenience, and even some reflections. But it is shameful that money matters should occasion discontents among church-members, who are otherwise of one heart and soul.—And to prevent this, it becomes us to use the strictest impartiality in the management of the money, and all other matters of churches or states. It is a great sin and reproach to many Christian congregations that the office of deacon, so clearly appointed in Scripture, should be so much contemned. And it is necessary that every church-officer be intelligent, pious, and prudent; and that church-members be always required to choose their own officers, small or great. No patrons or presbyteries can pretend more fitness to choose for others than the inspired apostles, who refused it. It is dangerous and awful when ministers give themselves to idle chat, unprofitable reading, unnecessary sleep, or civil business, instead of their important ministrations and fervent prayer. But when gospel ministers are faithful and diligent, God often works by them miracles of grace in the conversion of sinners, even of profane clergymen, whose spiritual case is peculiarly desperate. But, alas! how maliciously carnal men set themselves against Christ and his gospel, and readily charge its peculiar doctrines with blasphemy! And none are apt to be more inveterate enemies of truth than empty professors. No spirit of wisdom, no miracles, can move those who, instead of Scripture and reason, fly to calumny and violence, and who can falsely witness, or suborn others so to do, against those whom God signally owns and honours.