Acts 6 Outline Summary and Meaning
Quick Summary
Acts 6 shows the early church facing internal conflict and external opposition. A complaint arises about the neglect of Grecian widows in the daily food distribution. The apostles respond by appointing seven men full of the Spirit to oversee this ministry, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the word. Among them is Stephen, described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit, who performs great wonders and signs. When he is accused by members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, false witnesses are brought forward claiming he spoke against Moses and the temple. Stephen is seized and brought before the Sanhedrin.
Introduction
Acts 5 ended with the apostles being flogged yet rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Acts 6 shifts from external persecution to internal problems within the growing church.
The chapter addresses a practical issue—caring for widows—but Luke shows that even administrative matters require spiritual wisdom. The selection of the seven is not merely about logistics; it's about ensuring the church remains unified and that ministry happens through Spirit-filled servants.
Acts 6 also introduces Stephen, whose ministry and martyrdom will dominate the next chapter. His arrest sets the stage for the first major persecution and the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.
Outline and Section Summary
Acts 6:1–7 The Choosing of the Seven
As the number of disciples increases, the Grecian Jews complain against the Hebraic Jews because their widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The Twelve gather the disciples and explain that it would not be right for them to neglect the ministry of the word to wait on tables. They propose that seven men known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom be chosen to handle this responsibility, while the apostles devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the word.
The proposal pleases the whole group. They choose Stephen (full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch (a convert to Judaism). These men are presented to the apostles, who pray and lay hands on them. The word of God spreads, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increases rapidly, and a large number of priests become obedient to the faith.
This section shows how the church handles internal conflict with wisdom and unity. The apostles recognize that different ministries require different gifts, but all require the filling of the Spirit. The solution preserves both the ministry of the word and practical service to those in need.
Read the full article here: Acts 6:1–7 The Choosing of the Seven
Acts 6:8–15 Stephen Seized
Stephen, full of God's grace and power, performs great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arises from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen—Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. They argue with Stephen but cannot stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gives him when he speaks.
Unable to defeat him in debate, they secretly persuade men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." They stir up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the law. They seize Stephen and bring him before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses testify that Stephen constantly speaks against the holy place and the law, claiming that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the temple and change the customs Moses handed down. All who are sitting in the Sanhedrin look intently at Stephen, and they see that his face is like the face of an angel.
This section shows that faithful witness provokes opposition. Stephen's opponents cannot refute his arguments, so they resort to lies and manipulation. Yet even in the face of false accusations, God's presence is evident—Stephen's face shines with angelic glory.
Read the full article here: Acts 6:8–15 Stephen Seized
Major Themes in Acts 6
Unity and conflict resolution in the church
The complaint about the widows threatened to divide the church along ethnic lines. The apostles address it quickly and wisely, prioritizing unity and ensuring all members are cared for (Acts 6:1–6).
Spirit-filled servants for every ministry
Whether serving tables or preaching, the church needs Spirit-filled people. The seven are chosen because they are full of the Spirit and wisdom, not merely because they are capable administrators (Acts 6:3).
The priority of prayer and the word
The apostles refuse to neglect the ministry of the word to handle administrative tasks. This does not diminish the importance of serving tables; it recognizes that different people are called to different ministries (Acts 6:2–4).
Opposition through false accusations
When Stephen's opponents cannot defeat him in argument, they resort to lies. This pattern—truth-telling met with slander—continues throughout Acts and church history (Acts 6:11–14).
The spread of the word despite opposition
Even as conflict and opposition arise, the word of God continues to spread, and even priests become believers. The gospel advances regardless of obstacles (Acts 6:7).
Meaning for Today
Acts 6 reminds the church that growth brings challenges. As the community expands, problems emerge—distribution issues, ethnic tensions, administrative needs. The apostles' response is instructive: they address the problem directly, involve the community, and ensure the solution is Spirit-led.
The chapter also challenges the false dichotomy between "spiritual" and "practical" ministry. Serving widows is not less important than preaching; it simply requires different gifts. Both require the Holy Spirit. The modern church sometimes elevates certain ministries over others, but Acts 6 shows that all service matters when done in the Spirit.
Stephen's example confronts comfortable Christianity. He performs signs and wonders, speaks with Spirit-given wisdom, and faces false accusations without compromise. His willingness to suffer for the truth challenges believers who avoid gospel witness to maintain peace or reputation.
Finally, Acts 6 offers encouragement. Even when opposition intensifies and lies spread, God's word advances. Priests—members of the religious establishment—become obedient to the faith. The gospel cannot be stopped by conflict, slander, or persecution.
FAQ
What is Acts 6 about?
Acts 6 describes the appointment of seven men to serve the church's widows and the arrest of Stephen on false charges of blasphemy (Acts 6:1–15).
Why were the Grecian widows neglected?
The church was growing rapidly, and the Grecian (Greek-speaking) Jewish widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution, possibly due to cultural or language barriers (Acts 6:1).
Who were the seven men chosen?
Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch. They were full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:5).
Were the seven the first deacons?
While the role resembles what later becomes known as deacons, Acts 6 does not use that term. They were chosen to serve (Greek: diakoneo) the practical needs of the church.
Why did the apostles not want to serve tables?
Not because serving was beneath them, but because they needed to remain focused on prayer and the ministry of the word. Different ministries require different focus (Acts 6:2–4).
Why was Stephen arrested?
Stephen performed signs and spoke with wisdom that his opponents could not refute. Unable to defeat him in debate, they brought false witnesses who accused him of blasphemy against Moses, God, and the temple (Acts 6:8–14).
What does "his face was like the face of an angel" mean?
This description suggests that God's glory was visible on Stephen's face, similar to Moses when he came down from Mount Sinai. It signified God's presence with him despite the false accusations (Acts 6:15).
