Acts 6:7
Verse
Context
Sermons
Harry Ironside
Al Whittinghill
Edgar F. Parkyns
Les Wheeldon
Michael Haykin
David Du PlessisSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The word of God increased - By such preachers as the apostles and these deacons, no wonder the doctrine of God increased - became widely diffused and generally known; in consequence of which, the number of the disciples must be greatly multiplied: for God will ever bless his own word, when ministered by those whom he has qualified to proclaim it. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith - This was one of the greatest miracles wrought by the grace of Christ: that persons so intent on the destruction of Christ, his apostles, and his doctrine, should at last espouse that doctrine, is astonishing; and that they who had withstood the evidence of the miracles of Christ should have yielded to the doctrine of his death and resurrection, is worthy of note. And from this we may learn that it is not by miracles that sinners are to be converted unto God, but by the preaching of Christ dying for their offenses, and rising again for their justification. Instead of ἱερεων, priests, a few MSS., and the Syriac, read Ιουδαιων, Jews; for the copyists seem to be struck here with two difficulties: 1. That such persons as these priests could be converted. 2. That the word οχλος, company, or multitude, could with propriety be applied to this class, which must have been inconsiderable in their numbers, when compared with the rest of the Jews. To preserve the ancient reading, which is undoubtedly genuine, some have altered the text by conjecture; and, by putting a comma after οχλος, and a και before των ἱερεων, make the text read thus: And a great multitude, and some of the priests, were obedient to the faith. This conjecture is unnecessary, as there is no such difficulty here as to require so desperate an expedient, which is not recommended by the evidence of a single MS. or version. 1. The grace of Christ Jesus can save even a murderous Jewish priest: his death is a grand atonement for all crimes and for the worst of sinners. 2. In the twenty-four courses of priests, there was not a multitude merely, but multitudes: indeed the number of ecclesiastics at Jerusalem was enormous. A great company out of these might be converted, and yet multitudes be left behind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
word of God increased . . . disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly--prosperity crowning the beautiful spirit which reigned in this mother community. a great company of the priests were obedient, &c.--This was the crowning triumph of the Gospel, whose peaceful prosperity was now at its greatest height. After Stephen's teaching and trial made it clear that sacerdotal interests could not stand with the Gospel, such priestly accessions became rare indeed. Note (1) how easily misunderstandings may arise among the most loving and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus: but (2) How quickly and effectually such misunderstandings may be healed, where honest intentions, love, and wisdom reign: (3) What a beautiful model for imitation is furnished by the class here complained of, who, though themselves the majority, chose the new office-bearers from amongst the complaining minority! (4) How superior to the lust of power do the apostles here show themselves to be, in not only divesting themselves of the immediate superintendence of temporal affairs in the Christian community, but giving the choice of those who were to be entrusted with it to the disciples at large! (5) How little of formal organization did the apostles give to the Church at first, and when an emergency arose which demanded something more, how entirely was the remedy suggested by the reason of the thing! (6) Though the new office-bearers are not expressly called Deacons here, it is universally admitted that this was the first institution of that order in the Church; the success of the expedient securing its permanency, and the qualifications for "the office of a Deacon" being laid down in one of the apostolical Epistles immediately after those of "a Bishop" (Ti1 3:8-13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the word of God increased,.... This stratagem of Satan did not succeed to divide the church, but issued in the better decorum and discipline of it, and in the spread and success of the Gospel; God thus making all things to work together for good; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; where Christ was crucified, the apostles were scourged, and treated with the utmost contempt, the sanhedrim and rulers of the Jews dwelt, who used all their power and craft to crush the Gospel, and hinder the progress of it, but in vain, there the word increased; which it may be said to do, when saints are edified by it, and sinners are converted under it; and in this last sense it is chiefly to be understood here: the instances of conversion were very numerous; how large must this church now be! and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith; that is, to the Gospel, which contains things to be believed, articles of faith; proposes Christ the great object of faith; and is the means of producing faith, and which is of no profit, unless it is mixed with faith: and to obey this is cordially to embrace the doctrines of the Gospel, and cheerfully to submit to the ordinances of it. And that the priests, and a large number of them, should do this, is very marvellous; since they were the most inveterate enemies of the Gospel, and persecutors of the saints; but what is it that efficacious grace cannot do? the Syriac version instead of "priests" reads "Jews", but unsupported by any copy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:7 The result of the apostles’ wise handling of the issue was growth and increase in the number of believers, including many of the Jewish priests. • This is the first of three places in Acts where Luke notes that God’s message continued to spread (see also 12:24; 19:20). When real difficulties arose, God’s message could overcome the challenges posed by internal strife, idolatry, and paganism, and the result was growth in the community. Acts is the story of the unhindered message of Good News (see 28:31).
Acts 6:7
The Choosing of the Seven
6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.7So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cleansing of the Leper
By Harry Ironside2.5K40:08HealingLEV 14:1MAT 6:33MAT 8:1ACT 6:7In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the Gospel of Matthew chapter 8, specifically the first four verses. He prays for God to open the hearts, understanding, eyes, and ears of the listeners, just as Jesus did for his disciples. The preacher then discusses the significance of the little bird and the blood in the earthen vessel, symbolizing the life-giving Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation. He also mentions Joseph Cook, a preacher and lecturer, who delivered a powerful message using a quote from Shakespeare's Macbeth. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings for eternal life.
Praying in Jesus Name
By Al Whittinghill2.1K56:17Prayer ModelEXO 20:11JHN 14:10ACT 1:14ACT 4:24ACT 4:33ACT 5:11ACT 6:7ACT 8:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the last moments of Jesus with his disciples before his arrest. He highlights that Jesus gave seven crucial commands to his disciples, all of which revolve around prayer. The speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching prayer with a humble heart and aligning ourselves with God's word. He also emphasizes the need for united prayer in the church, as it is through prayer that God moves in a supernatural and abundant way. The speaker encourages the church to seek God's face and pray for the glorification of his name.
Church History - Session 1 (The Book of Acts 1)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.9K1:00:28ISA 49:6ACT 3:24ACT 6:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Acts and its three sections. The first section, chapters one to seven, focuses on Peter as the great preacher emphasizing the Gospel to the Jews. The second section, chapters 13 to 28, introduces Paul as the great preacher who emphasizes the Gospel to the Gentiles. The sermon highlights the transition from a narrow-minded focus on the Jews to the revelation that anyone, regardless of their background, can partake in the blessings of Christ. The preacher also mentions the persecution of Stephen and his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God before being stoned by the angry crowd.
Ephesians (Part 1)
By Les Wheeldon1.9K1:16:43ExpositionalACT 2:39ACT 6:7ACT 8:39ACT 9:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that as humans, we were once children of rock, living in sin and fulfilling our fleshly desires. The speaker emphasizes that the revelation of being a child of God is a gentle one, and that preaching about the wrath of God requires a spirit of utmost love. The speaker also highlights the importance of understanding that the book being discussed is a testimony, not a doctrinal statement. The sermon concludes with a focus on the transformation that occurs when a person finds Christ, as illustrated through the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
Overview of the Book of Acts
By Michael Haykin1.1K44:56ACT 6:7ACT 9:31ACT 12:24ACT 16:5ACT 19:20ACT 28:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and growth of the Word of God in the book of Acts. He highlights several summary sections in the book where Luke pauses to review what God is doing. Despite opposition, persecution, and even hypocrisy within the church, the Word of God continues to increase and build the church. The speaker encourages believers to be faithful in sharing and proclaiming the Word, as it is what drives the church forward and saves sinners.
Desert Survival Series Pt 13- Moses the Servant of God
By Don Courville78038:30Desert SurvivalACT 4:31ACT 5:11ACT 5:20ACT 5:29ACT 5:32ACT 5:40ACT 6:7ACT 8:40In this sermon, the speaker discusses Moses' fourth excuse for not going to Pharaoh. The speaker shares a personal story about a friend who spent time in prison and found a message over the prison door that said, "The way of the transgressor is hard." The speaker then relates this story to Moses' situation, emphasizing that going against God's plan will only make life harder. The speaker also mentions the importance of not focusing on oneself or listening to others' negative opinions, using the example of Moody, a preacher who faced criticism but still used his abilities for God's glory. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the judgment after death and the power of the word of God in spreading the gospel.
Wigglesworth Prophecy of Last Day Revival
By David Du Plessis47756:06Smith WigglesworthPRO 3:5JOL 2:28MAT 28:19JHN 14:16ACT 6:71CO 12:7EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of receiving visions from God. He describes how he was visited by a man who prophesied and commanded him to leave his current location and go to the other parts of the earth to spread the word of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the divine commission to teach all nations, as instructed by Jesus. He also mentions the need to remain humble and faithful in order to be used by God in a unique and impactful way.
An Atheist Answered
By T. De Witt Talmage0EXO 27:21MAT 8:4LUK 10:31ACT 6:7HEB 7:11PE 2:9REV 1:6The preacher delves into the significance of priests in the Bible, highlighting their role as sacred or consecrated individuals who serve deity. While most references to priests in the New Testament pertain to Jewish ceremonial officials, Acts 14:13 mentions a priest of the pagan cult of Zeus. Jesus is portrayed as our Great High Priest, emphasizing His continuous intercession for us. The sermon also touches on believers in Revelation being described as priests who will reign with Christ, showcasing the dual nature of priests in the Bible.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The word of God increased - By such preachers as the apostles and these deacons, no wonder the doctrine of God increased - became widely diffused and generally known; in consequence of which, the number of the disciples must be greatly multiplied: for God will ever bless his own word, when ministered by those whom he has qualified to proclaim it. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith - This was one of the greatest miracles wrought by the grace of Christ: that persons so intent on the destruction of Christ, his apostles, and his doctrine, should at last espouse that doctrine, is astonishing; and that they who had withstood the evidence of the miracles of Christ should have yielded to the doctrine of his death and resurrection, is worthy of note. And from this we may learn that it is not by miracles that sinners are to be converted unto God, but by the preaching of Christ dying for their offenses, and rising again for their justification. Instead of ἱερεων, priests, a few MSS., and the Syriac, read Ιουδαιων, Jews; for the copyists seem to be struck here with two difficulties: 1. That such persons as these priests could be converted. 2. That the word οχλος, company, or multitude, could with propriety be applied to this class, which must have been inconsiderable in their numbers, when compared with the rest of the Jews. To preserve the ancient reading, which is undoubtedly genuine, some have altered the text by conjecture; and, by putting a comma after οχλος, and a και before των ἱερεων, make the text read thus: And a great multitude, and some of the priests, were obedient to the faith. This conjecture is unnecessary, as there is no such difficulty here as to require so desperate an expedient, which is not recommended by the evidence of a single MS. or version. 1. The grace of Christ Jesus can save even a murderous Jewish priest: his death is a grand atonement for all crimes and for the worst of sinners. 2. In the twenty-four courses of priests, there was not a multitude merely, but multitudes: indeed the number of ecclesiastics at Jerusalem was enormous. A great company out of these might be converted, and yet multitudes be left behind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
word of God increased . . . disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly--prosperity crowning the beautiful spirit which reigned in this mother community. a great company of the priests were obedient, &c.--This was the crowning triumph of the Gospel, whose peaceful prosperity was now at its greatest height. After Stephen's teaching and trial made it clear that sacerdotal interests could not stand with the Gospel, such priestly accessions became rare indeed. Note (1) how easily misunderstandings may arise among the most loving and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus: but (2) How quickly and effectually such misunderstandings may be healed, where honest intentions, love, and wisdom reign: (3) What a beautiful model for imitation is furnished by the class here complained of, who, though themselves the majority, chose the new office-bearers from amongst the complaining minority! (4) How superior to the lust of power do the apostles here show themselves to be, in not only divesting themselves of the immediate superintendence of temporal affairs in the Christian community, but giving the choice of those who were to be entrusted with it to the disciples at large! (5) How little of formal organization did the apostles give to the Church at first, and when an emergency arose which demanded something more, how entirely was the remedy suggested by the reason of the thing! (6) Though the new office-bearers are not expressly called Deacons here, it is universally admitted that this was the first institution of that order in the Church; the success of the expedient securing its permanency, and the qualifications for "the office of a Deacon" being laid down in one of the apostolical Epistles immediately after those of "a Bishop" (Ti1 3:8-13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the word of God increased,.... This stratagem of Satan did not succeed to divide the church, but issued in the better decorum and discipline of it, and in the spread and success of the Gospel; God thus making all things to work together for good; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; where Christ was crucified, the apostles were scourged, and treated with the utmost contempt, the sanhedrim and rulers of the Jews dwelt, who used all their power and craft to crush the Gospel, and hinder the progress of it, but in vain, there the word increased; which it may be said to do, when saints are edified by it, and sinners are converted under it; and in this last sense it is chiefly to be understood here: the instances of conversion were very numerous; how large must this church now be! and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith; that is, to the Gospel, which contains things to be believed, articles of faith; proposes Christ the great object of faith; and is the means of producing faith, and which is of no profit, unless it is mixed with faith: and to obey this is cordially to embrace the doctrines of the Gospel, and cheerfully to submit to the ordinances of it. And that the priests, and a large number of them, should do this, is very marvellous; since they were the most inveterate enemies of the Gospel, and persecutors of the saints; but what is it that efficacious grace cannot do? the Syriac version instead of "priests" reads "Jews", but unsupported by any copy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:7 The result of the apostles’ wise handling of the issue was growth and increase in the number of believers, including many of the Jewish priests. • This is the first of three places in Acts where Luke notes that God’s message continued to spread (see also 12:24; 19:20). When real difficulties arose, God’s message could overcome the challenges posed by internal strife, idolatry, and paganism, and the result was growth in the community. Acts is the story of the unhindered message of Good News (see 28:31).