8/1/04

 

Chapter 6 brings us to more information on the internal matters of the local church at Jerusalem—this time in resolving conflict and development of administration. Further, it serves to introduce us

to Stephen, the central figure in Ch.6-7.  Stephen, Philip and Saul will draw our attention in ch.6-9 as a transition into ministry to non-Jews.

  Chap.6, verse 1- “a murmuring”- the onomapoetic word, guggusmos = murmur.  It is expressive of a complaining tone that is not loudly or openly expressed.

“Grecians”- helleniston= Greek speaking Jews that have returned to  Jerusalem to resettle, but carry more Gentile behavior/attitudes with them.  Note 6:9- the variety of synagogues in Jerusalem.

“Hebrews”-hebraious= Aramaic speaking Jews (along with Hebrew)

living in Jerusalem and Judea who are more native in thinking.

   “widows were neglected”- Judaism had a sort of social service as part of the community with funds coming from the temple and other agencies of assistance.  The number of Hellenistic widows increased and lacked the local family-assistance the Hebrew widows might have.  Thus, the Hellenists required more help with the result that Hebrew widows felt neglected.

   Chap.6, verse 2-4- “the twelve”- this numerical designation shows the evident leadership of the original eleven, plus Matthias.

“not reason”-NKJV-‘desirable’    “leave”-kataleipsantas =leave behind   “serve” –diakonein= run in the dust, hurry, serve.

The apostles see the need for them to remain in a ministry of teaching and preaching the word of God.

   They suggest the selection of 7 men from “among you”- that

would be of the Hellenist group—“full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”—already a consciousness of the need of the power of the Spirit is evident and would later by mandated –Eph.5:18.  “whom we may appoint..”- while the selection may have been made by the

congregation, it required ratification by the apostles.

  “give ourselves”- same word as in 2:42- “prayer and the ministry of the word”—these two simple exercises are critical in

the development of the believer’s life and the health of the local

church.  They form the essential means of communication of divine

power and divine will.

   Chap. 6, verse 5-6-“pleased”- a harmonious agreement was met.

The 7 names given are all Greek, which moves us to think they are all Hellenists.  Once again, Stephen is distinguished by “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”—this is preparatory for his place in bold

 

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and important preaching in ch.7 (note 7:55).  The mention of Nicholas as a proselyte leads us to think he was a convert to

Judaism (possibly a Gentile?).  With him is mentioned, Antioch,

which will figure strongly in ch. 13.

  The laying of hands on them signified approval and identification of power (8:17, 13:3).  The transference was symbolic, not literal.

Such activity accompanies ordination- I Tim.5:22 and II Tim.1:6.

  Chap.6, verse 7-“And the word of God increased..”- this is the first of 7 reports of progress in Acts- 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:31.  The verb (increased) is imperfect showing continued action from the past.  “number…multiplied greatly”- shows an great

leap in the number of converts during this period in Jerusalem.

“a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith”

indicates a positive response by this class of people.  This group of priests would serve at the Temple, but not be part of the aristocratic

leaders in Jerusalem- 4:1, 5:17.  Some have suggested that the book of Hebrews is directed to this group of men or to this body of believers in  Jerusalem.