ETB Acts 6:1-15
Cedric Chafee
ETB Summer 2024 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Session 8 - p.73 - Serving
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus told a parable about trustworthy servants who received a “well done” from their master (Matt. 25:23). When Paul summarized his ministry, he referred to a “good fight” and a completed race (2 Tim. 4:7). Faithfulness, not results, was the metric Paul used to evaluate his own service to Christ. We should have the same attitude toward our own lives.
In today’s session, we will look at a group of believers set aside to serve. When conflict and turmoil threatened the early unity of the church, they were called on to meet the needs of their brothers and sisters. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]
What are some characteristics of someone who “serves well”.
Can good “service” be done by those who are not believers?
What are the connection between effective service and the influence of believers and churches.
Understand the Context
Understand the Context
Last week we studied about the apostles before the Sanhedrin being questioned, beaten, and released. Today’s passage immediately follows that one in the book of Acts but could have occurred several days or weeks later. We know it was the next significant event in the life of the church, but the exact timing is undocumented.
The longest sermon in the books of Acts is in Chapter 7, the first recorded martyr for the cause of Christ is at the end of that chapter. We are introduced to this evangelist and 6 other men in Chapter 6.
Transition: The events in today’s session are still pretty early in the life of the Jerusalem church and occurred just before Stephen’s death which will not study in detail this quarter. But the example we see in Stephen and his peers reminds us that serving others can produce great results for the kingdom and gaining both positive and negative notice from non-believers.
Explore the Text
Explore the Text
Acts 6:1–4 (ESV)
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
v.1
disciples were increasing in number
In Acts 5, Gamaliel warned that the Sanhedrin could never stop a true movement from God. Chapter 6 opens with the note about the continued growth of the early church (6:1). Increasing persecution to have led to increased commitments. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
Hebraic Jews are those who have lived mostly in a Jewish community steeped in Jewish tradition and culture and Hellenistic Jews would have been more in the Greek environment. Since both are Jewish in religion, they would all speak Hebrew, but traditions would very. Those Jews who grew up and lived near the Temple would view worship and service to God differently than those in another part of the world. Similarly, the treatment of the poor or those who could not support themselves, like widows, would be treated differently.
What are some different views today about the care of the elderly or widows? Who do people expect to care for them? Do these expectations change if you live in a large city compared to a very rural area? Military versus Professional?
Later in Scripture Paul would remind us that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek (Gal. 3:28). But at this point in the life of the church, these tenants of belief have not been established so the apostles are called upon to resolve the issue before it permanently affects the fellowship.
At issue was the appearance of a bias or favoritism in the assistance being given to the widows.
the daily distribution
Root word is the same as the Greek word later translated as Deacon. This word is used 3 times in our passage translated as distribution, serve, and ministry. These are the “actions” of a deacon. Later in Scripture (1 Tim 3:8–13) the “character” of the deacon would be defined.
The New Bible Commentary 6:1–8:3 Stephen before the Sanhedrin: The End of an Era
In many modern cultures, the phrase ‘waiting on tables’ brings to mind servants or hired help at restaurants. This image is wrong in several ways. For one thing, it is the job of the head of the household to distribute the food (thus Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper of taking, blessing, breaking and distributing; Lk. 22:19; cf. 9:16 and 24:30). Furthermore, the word used here for ‘table’ has two special meanings: the dining table and also a money-changer’s table (Mk. 11:15; the same word is used in the sense of ‘bank’ in Lk. 19:23). Thus it may be that ‘to sit at managers’ desks’ is as valid a paraphrase of the text as ‘to wait on tables’. Although the passage mentions food, the distribution may well have been in form of money for food, and certainly in 4:35–37 it was money which the apostles received towards this aid.
v.2-4
summoned the full number of the disciples
The apostles made sure that everyone was involved in the resolution of the issue. This would have been thousands of people by now, you might call it the first church convention. Unity in a decision was started by having a uniformity of information presented.
It is not right
The apostles then presented their first insight, the greater priority must be given to the presentation of the word. They could not stop what God had called and gifted them to do. Not that the issue was not important, but it was not for them to neglect their ordained duties.
Opening Up Acts Widows Are Neglected (vv. 1–2)
the apostles had special ministries that could not be delegated to others
Knowing what you can delegate and what you cannot takes wisdom.
You pick out.. seven men
The apostles also recognized that they would not be able to find people for the task quickly from within the congregation. Giving the group input also assured a consensus across the cultural differences in the choices.
While the apostles used their spiritual gifts effectively, they also knew others had gifts that would fit this need well. These roles would be different in operation, but not different in value. The Twelve also showed wisdom by allowing the body to identify who would serve them. While they emphasized certain character qualities, the apostles trusted the Holy Spirit to point the church in the right direction. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
This also points out another principle we see in Scripture, God lets us see problems that He may have gifted us to resolve.
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 6
Oftentimes people have said to me, “What are you going to do about this situation, Jon? You’re the pastor. Murmur, murmur, murmur.”
More often than not, I have replied, “What are you going to do about it? That’s the issue. Don’t look to the professionals. If you’re aware of the problem, it could be that you’ve been called to be part of the solution. The reason you feel the burden, the reason you’re aware of the situation is because God is calling you.”
The apostles did however make a stipulation as to the “kind" of men.
good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom
Threefold character: of good reputation (communal), full of the Spirit (spiritual), full of wisdom (practical). Something for all believers to strive for.
Character is more important than competency. God will empower an individual with character to accomplish His plans. However, all the abilities in the world cannot make up for character gaps.
The men selected for this important role already had demonstrated godly character. Their reputations were solid, and they were known to be filled with the Spirit. As the events of Acts unfold we will see the truths of the character revealed. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
we will appoint to this duty
Then the apostles would transfer their authority in this matter over to these men.
Ask: How do we draw a distinction between what church leaders do and what church members do? How can churches recognize the value of all service? (PSG, p. 77)
we will devote ourselves to prayer and the Word.
Later in Romans, Paul affirms this choice by the apostles and applies it to all believers to understand how God has gifted the individual and what His call in their life is and to “devote” themselves to that ministry
Romans 12:6–8 “6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
The church now has a course of action from the apostles, and they follow through on it.
5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
v.5-6
Pleased the whole gathering
When was the last time you heard of a unanimous vote at a Baptist convention?
The first indication of God’s blessing was the unity of the congregation. The body that had faced the threat of division whole-heartedly backed the apostles’ plan. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
Ask: How does proper handling of a conflict increase the influence of believers? What might have happened if the church had split instead of finding a way to serve? (PSG, p. 78)
and they chose
When we read this in our Bibles it seems to happen almost immediately but there is nothing to prevent this verse from taking several days or weeks to come to fruition. There were thousands of people to consider and whittle down to just seven. I think it would take a day or two just to get a basic list. I am not even sure how they would have gone through an approval all of the congregation. Maybe that is part of the reason that Luke leaves out those details and just proceeds immediately to the names of those chosen.
Stephen, Phillip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus.
Two of these men are written about again in the book of Acts as a continuation of God’s ministry through them and how He spread the gospel through them. Tradition puts the third with John later as his secretary or amanuensis. The next three are not mentioned again. The last some suggest could have become the founder of the heretical sect mentioned in Revelation, correlating to the choice of Jesus and Judas Iscariot, but I am sure there were other “Nicolaus” at that time.
To show their approval, the apostles ceremonially “laid their hands on them.”
Different than the laying of hands on the scapegoat for the transference of sins, I had often wondered where this gesture began and discovered this week it was with the Levites, Moses & Joshua.
Numbers 8:10 “10 When you bring the Levites before the Lord, the people of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites,”
Numbers 27:18 “18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.”
Numbers 27:23 “23 and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the Lord directed through Moses.”
v.7
With the men chosen to use their gifts for the church, the apostle devout themselves back to their calling and there was another “increase” in the number of disciples. Not only of the common Jewish people but also -
a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
These priests, who may have numbered in the thousands, did not have much in common with the wealthy and aristocratic Sanhedrin. Their disconnect from the temple-based religious establishment freed them to discern and embrace the truth of the gospel. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
These were the men who were serving in and around the Temple within ear shot of all that the apostles and other disciples were saying. They may have even witnessed the dissension and resolution of today’s passage. The men saw and heard the Gospel plus the effects it was having on people. An incredible testimony of the power of the Spirit working in and through the early church.
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
v.8-9
was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Not an apostle, but a disciple and servant was performing these wonders. These miracles also validated his message and calling in the same way that it did for the apostles. However, it also had a negative effect in that it got him noticed.
Not only his actions were noticed but his words and message were also noted.
Synagogue of the Freedmen, Cyrenian, Alexandrians, Cilicia and Asia.
We again do not have a definitive timeline from verse 7 to 9. Stephen may have gone to or encountered each of these different groups in the course of his “distribution” to the widows.
I agree with MacArthur that these were 4 different groups and not all of the same synagogue. The church was a symbol of unity and a contrast to the old ways. These groups are different culturally and geographically and only unified in their objection to Stephen and his message. Sounds familiar. Tolerance of everyone and everything else - except Jesus.
Luke’s inclusion of such diversity highlights an important truth. While the message about Jesus was reaching people from different backgrounds, opposition was also coming from people of different backgrounds. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
Ask: Why do you think that a man like Stephen drew such strong opposition from other Jews?
v.10-15
These men noticed and opposed Stephen, but to no avail.
But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit
English pastor Charles Spurgeon once compared the gospel to a caged lion. We don’t need to defend it. We just need to release it. The power and wisdom that Stephen displayed is available to anyone who will live out the gospel in front of the watching world. Opponents may attack the gospel, but they will not overcome it. (See Luke 12:11-12.) [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
Isaiah 54:17 “17 no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.””
God inspired the apostles to give these specific traits for those to “serve” and now we read of His proof and vindication that these things were present in those that were chosen. So full were they of God’s power that they could not be refuted.
I have not heard many people speaking today that someone cannot find a flaw with. This is an amazing manifestation of God’s power within Stephen.
Secretly instigated
The Greek word that Luke used (hypoballo) literally means to “throw under.” The term appears only here in the New Testament and emphasizes a plot or conspiracy. It suggests that Stephen’s opponents relied on manipulation and pressure to put words in the mouths of those making accusations against him in an effort to frame him. They could not fight his logic, so they turned to dishonesty. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
People, elders, and scribes - which group was left? Who often listed with “scribes and ...”?
The New Bible Commentary 6:1–8:3 Stephen before the Sanhedrin: The End of an Era
Cilicia is mentioned as one of the provinces from which this synagogue drew its members. Tarsus, Paul’s hometown, was in Cilicia
Which group was Saul a part of?
Some point to these things and allude that Saul may have done more than just keep the coats at Stephen stoning. He may have been an integral part in stirring up the crowds.
false witnesses
One of the ways you can tell if a person is giving “false testimony” is that their story changes. First in verse 11 they say that Stephen was speaking blasphemy against God and Moses, now in verse 13 it is the Temple and the Law. The accusations appear to change to arouse the emotions based on the audience. This tactic has not changed and makes media companies a lot of money.
During the interrogation by the council, however, Stephen appears to be unflappable.
face of an angel
Luke & Acts Commentary
Stephen was a wonder to behold. The council members could not take their eyes off him (6:15; cf. 1:10; 3:4, 12; 7:55). As with Moses and Jesus (Exod 34:29, 35; Luke 9:29), Stephen was in such communion with God and so full of the Spirit with wisdom, faith, grace, and power, that the glory of God shone from his face. There can be no doubt who was speaking through Stephen in the speech that followed.
Just as angels had communicated God’s message to the people, Stephen shared the truth about God. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
I do not think this is a visible “glow” like that of Moses, partly because Luke does not use those words or synonyms in this account. I believe that this is more about his peaceful countenance which he was able to maintain even though he knew the testimony was false and he was being harshly interrogated. God’s peace allowed him to be unfazed by the situation and it was visibly noticeable.
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 6
Addressing his students concerning ministry, C. H. Spurgeon said, “Men, when you teach on heaven, let there always be a glow on your face, a gleam in your eye, and a smile on your lips. When you teach on hell, your normal face will do fine.”
As false accusations, lies, and anger preceded the rocks that would soon follow, Stephen’s face reflected neither hatred nor horror, but heaven.
Apply the Text
Apply the Text
Create a list of characteristics demonstrated by followers of Christ. [Lifeway Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Summer 2024. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
Most of the verses in their list are “outward” character traits or those that are seen by others. I have a list that I read through frequently that are more “inward” character traits that God has to adjust within me. I have copies here if you want to take one. I will also post them on the Class website.
Pray: Steve, Josh & Cameron would not be distracted from his God-given priorities. Help us see ways that we can continue, or begin, to help these men be able to focus on those priorities by serving the church and others on their behalf.
