New King James Version (NKJV)

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Acts 6:1-15 (New King James Version)

Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

8 And Stephen, full of faith[b] and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous[c] words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.


The pastors of the church cannot keep up with everything, so they come up with a strategy that we still use today. They appoint deacons whose main purpose is to see to that the physical needs of the people are met. They are like mini-pastors in ways as Stephen here was even doing signs and wonders like the apostles. It's amazing to me to see how different deacons function in most churches today. I wonder what impact it would have if deacons around our country returned to this model. It seems like a lot of times a deacon's job ends with making sure the grass is cut and the walls are painted. In reality it should be much more than that. For me personally, I'm seeing a huge challenge in the way Stephen lived his life regardless of who was around. He didn't care what kind of threats were out there. He only cared about his God and he lived for Him. So much so, that people could see it on his face. I want to be THAT kind of chrisitian!