The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8

Acts 6

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And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

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2

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

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3

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

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4

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

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5

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

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6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

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8

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

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9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

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10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

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11

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

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12

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

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13

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

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14

For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

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15

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

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Chapter Study & Analysis

Overview

Acts 6 describes the appointment of the first seven deacons to manage the distribution of food, allowing the Apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. It also introduces Stephen, whose powerful ministry stirs up intense opposition.

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS

1. The Necessity of Order: The Church addressed a practical conflict by organizing ministry (v. 3). We should value both the "ministry of the Word" and the "ministry of tables" as essential for the health of the community.
2. The Quality of Servants: Even for practical tasks, the Church sought men "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" (v. 3). Every role in the Kingdom requires spiritual maturity and a good reputation.
3. The Face of an Angel: Despite false accusations, Stephen’s countenance reflected the peace of God (v. 15). When we are full of faith and power, the presence of Christ becomes visible to those around us.

Practical Lessons

FORMAL PRAYER

Father, who hast called us to diverse ministries within Thy Body: fill us with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Help us to serve with integrity in all things, that the ministry of Thy Word may increase and many may be added to the number of those who believe. Amen.

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