Acts 6

Chapter Summary

Acts chapter 6 begins with a description of a problem in the early Christian church, where the Greek-speaking believers were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, recognizing that they could not handle this task alone, appointed seven men, including Stephen and Philip, to oversee the care of the widows. These men were chosen for their good reputation, wisdom, and Spirit-filled lives. The chapter then focuses on Stephen, who was filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, and performed great wonders and signs among the people. However, Stephen's ministry was not without opposition, and he was eventually brought before the Sanhedrin to face charges of blasphemy. The chapter ends with Stephen's powerful sermon, in which he presented the history of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the Jewish leaders had rejected the Messiah and were now opposing the Holy Spirit.

Context for the Chapter

Acts chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel. This chapter follows the events of Acts 5, where the apostles were persecuted and imprisoned, but continued to preach the gospel. The chapter also looks forward to the events of Acts 7, where Stephen's sermon is continued, and he is eventually martyred for his faith. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter is part of the story of God's redemption of humanity, as seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges us to prioritize the ministry of the word and to empower Spirit-filled leaders to serve the body of Christ. It also reminds us of the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and living a life of faith and obedience. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own lives and ministry, asking God to fill us with the Holy Spirit and to use us to serve and minister to others.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Acts chapter 6 is about the early Christian church and how they solved a problem with food distribution. The apostles chose seven men, including Stephen, to help with this task. Stephen was a powerful preacher who was filled with the Holy Spirit and performed many miracles. However, he was also opposed by many people, and his story continues in the next chapter. As we read this chapter, we can learn about the importance of serving others and being filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 6:8.

Voices from the Church

“The deacons were not elected to be idle, but to serve the Lord and the church, and to be diligent in their duties.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The apostles did not think it beneath them to serve the poor, but they considered it a great honor to be able to minister to the needs of the saints.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Problem of Food Distribution (Acts 6:1-4) — The Greek-speaking believers were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, leading to a problem in the early Christian church.
2. The Appointment of the First Deacons (Acts 6:5-6) — The apostles appointed seven men, including Stephen and Philip, to oversee the care of the widows and to free the apostles to focus on the ministry of the word.
3. The Ministry of Stephen (Acts 6:8-10) — Stephen was filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, and performed great wonders and signs among the people, demonstrating the power of God and authenticating his message.
4. The Opposition to Stephen (Acts 6:11-14) — Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin to face charges of blasphemy, highlighting the opposition to the gospel and the persecution of the early Christian church.
5. Stephen's Sermon (Acts 6:8-53) — Stephen presented a detailed history of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish leaders and the importance of faith and obedience.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Servant Leadership

This chapter teaches that servant leadership is essential in the church, as seen in the appointment of the first deacons to care for the practical needs of the believers.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The chapter emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in the lives of Stephen and Philip, who were empowered to serve and minister to others.

The Ministry of the Word

The chapter highlights the importance of prioritizing the ministry of the word, as seen in the apostles' decision to focus on preaching and teaching.

The Opposition to the Gospel

The chapter notes the opposition to the gospel, as seen in the charges brought against Stephen and the eventual persecution of the early Christian church.

Lessons from Acts 6

1. The Importance of Servant Leadership — This chapter teaches that servant leadership is essential in the church, as seen in the appointment of the first deacons to care for the practical needs of the believers.
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in the lives of Stephen and Philip, who were empowered to serve and minister to others.
3. The Ministry of the Word — The chapter highlights the importance of prioritizing the ministry of the word, as seen in the apostles' decision to focus on preaching and teaching.
4. The Opposition to the Gospel — The chapter notes the opposition to the gospel, as seen in the charges brought against Stephen and the eventual persecution of the early Christian church.
5. The Power of Faith and Obedience — Stephen's life and ministry demonstrate the power of faith and obedience, as seen in his willingness to serve and minister to others, even in the face of opposition.

Themes from Acts 6

1. Servant Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, as seen in the appointment of the first deacons to care for the practical needs of the believers.
2. The Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to serve and minister to others, as seen in the lives of Stephen and Philip.
3. The Ministry of the Word — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the ministry of the word, as seen in the apostles' decision to focus on preaching and teaching.
4. Opposition to the Gospel — The chapter notes the opposition to the gospel, as seen in the charges brought against Stephen and the eventual persecution of the early Christian church.
5. Faith and Obedience — Stephen's life and ministry demonstrate the power of faith and obedience, as seen in his willingness to serve and minister to others, even in the face of opposition.

Questions for Meditation

1. What problem did the early Christian church face in Acts 6:1-4, and how did the apostles solve it?
2. What qualities did the apostles look for in the men they appointed as deacons, and why were these qualities important?
3. How did Stephen's ministry demonstrate the power of God, and what can we learn from his example?
4. What can we learn from the opposition to the gospel in Acts 6, and how can we apply this to our own lives and ministry?
5. What is the significance of Stephen's sermon in Acts 6:8-53, and what can we learn from his presentation of the gospel?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Acts 6

	Sermon	Description
	The Crucial Priority of a Minister by Gbile Akanni	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and the secret place in the life of a believer. He highlights the need for believers to be diligent in their prayer
	The Morning Watch - Part 1 by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the morning watch, which is a dedicated time of studying the Word of God and engaging in prayer. The speaker emphasizes that
	(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He critici
	Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually
	Your First Love by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various topics related to sin and the need for repentance. He mentions a man named Moses Byrd who used to make and sell pornographic cassettes
	Hebrews 11 - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and how it will be tested. He shares a personal anecdote about a young girl who remembered his sermon from three yea
	Martyrdom by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the truth of God's word, rather than being swayed by the visible circumstances of the world. He w
	How the Spirit Sends Revival by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various revivals throughout history, highlighting the impact of preaching and teaching in bringing people to God. He mentions the American Re
	(Titus - Part 6): Set in Order the Things That Are Wanting by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and structure in the church. He uses the example of a man with a physical disability to illustrate the need for
	A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 6

In this chapter, we see the early Christian church facing a problem with food distribution, which was solved by the appointment of the first deacons. We also see the ministry of Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and performed many wonders and signs. However, Stephen's ministry was not without opposition, and he was eventually brought before the Sanhedrin to face charges of blasphemy. In his sermon, Stephen presented a detailed history of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish leaders and the importance of faith and obedience. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of servant leadership, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the power of faith and obedience, even in the face of opposition. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?