Acts 6

Acts 6:1

THe Grecians against the Hebrewes] Whose ancestours were Jewes, and having dwelt in Greece, used the Greek tongue.

were neglected in the daily ministration] They were not relieved in the distribution of the almes.

Acts 6:2

and serve tables] To make provision for, or serve at tables, in their ordinary diet provided for the poore; and at their feasts of charity; because they had greater work in hand, that is, to preach the Word of God, as v. 4.

Acts 6:5

Philip] Chap. 21. 8.

a proselyte of Antioch] See chap. 2. 10.

Acts 6:6

they laid their hands on them] By this imposition of hands, the Primitive Church signified a consecration of a man to God: This rite the Hebrewes used, in their solemn sacrifices, and in their prayers and private blessings, as may appeare, Genesis 48:14. Matthew 19:13. 1 Timothy 4:14. 2 Tim. 1. 6. Hebrews 6:2.

Acts 6:7

obedient to the faith] That is, the doctrine of the Gospel, Romans 1:5. & Romans 16:26.

Acts 6:9

certain of the synagogue] It is likely that the Romans permitted other nations, having trade at Jerusalem, to have their synagogue or Church by themselves.

the Libertines] Thus the Romans called the issue of their slaves when they were manumissed or set at liberty: which maketh it more probable that it was no Colledge for youth, but a synagogue or Church for strangers, of which they were.

Cyrenians] A sort of Philosophers, of whom speaketh Cic. l. 1. de fin.

of Cilicia] A countrey in Asia the lesser, in which was Tarsus, the Citie where Paul was born, ch. 22. 3.

Acts 6:11

Then they suborned men which said] Instructed false witnesse, what they should say against Stephen.

Acts 6:14

customes] Or, rites.

Acts 6:15

as it had been the face of an Angel] With an admirable splendor and majesty, such as we read of Moses, Exodus 34:30.