ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Acts 6

Acts 6:1–12:25 The Witness beyond Jerusalem. Beginning with Greek-speaking Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (6:1–7), the Christian gospel was proclaimed to an ever-widening circle—to Samaria (8:4–25), to an Ethiopian (8:26–40), to a Gentile God-fearer (10:1–48), and to the Gentiles of Antioch (11:19–30). The stage was then set for Paul’s ministry that would go to the “end of the earth” (chs. 13–28; compare 1:8).

Acts 6:1 The Hellenists were Jewish Christians whose primary language was Greek. They may have been born outside of Palestine. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language. They seem to have overlooked the Hellenist widows unintentionally. the daily distribution. Of provisions for the needy.

Acts 6:5 Stephen and Philip will become prominent in Acts. The NT makes no further mention of the other five.

Acts 6:6 The apostles confirmed the congregational election when they prayed and laid their hands on them. Laying on of hands is done in connection with several things in Acts: healing (9:17), the gift of the Spirit (8:18; 9:17; 19:6), and commissioning to a ministry (both here and at 13:3). Interpreters differ over whether these seven men should be considered the first “deacons” in the church. On the one hand, the noun “deacon” does not occur here. On the other hand, the corresponding verb (“to serve, help, give assistance”) is used in 6:2. This same verb is used of those who serve as deacons in 1 Tim. 3:10, 13. However, this is a common verb for “render service.”

Acts 6:7 A great many of the priests became Christians. The lower ranks of the priesthood numbered in the thousands. Many were poor. They may have first been attracted to Christians by their charity, provided under the guidance of the newly appointed deacons (vv. 1–6).

Acts 6:8–15 Stephen ministered to the needy and also taught the Word and performed wonders and signs.

Acts 6:9 Stephen preached to Hellenistic Jews (see note on v. 1) and Greek-speakers like himself. Freedmen were Jews who had been enslaved and then granted freedom. Cyrenians and Alexandrians represent North Africa. Those in Cilicia and Asia represent the area of modern Turkey.

Acts 6:14 Stephen must have referred to what Jesus said about destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days (Mark 14:58). John clarified this as Jesus referring to his body (John 2:19–21).

Acts 6:15 like the face of an angel. Apparently the brightness of the glory of God was on Stephen’s face (compare Ex. 34:29–30; Matt. 17:2).