Bible Commentaries

When the number of the disciples was multiplying (πληθυνοντων των μαθητων). Genitive absolute of πληθυνω, old verb from πληθος, fulness, to increase. The new freedom from the intercession of Gamaliel was bearing rich fruit. A murmuring of the Grecian Jews (γογγυσμος των Hελληνιστων). Late onomatopoetic word (LXX) from the late verb γογγυζω, to mutter, to murmur. The substantive occurs also in John 7:12; Philippians 2:14; 1 Peter 4:9. It is the secret grumblings that buzz away till they are heard. These "Grecian Jews" or Hellenists are members of the church in Jerusalem who are Jews from outside of Palestine like Barnabas from Cyprus. These Hellenists had points of contact with the Gentile world without having gone over to the habits of the Gentiles, the Jews of the Western Dispersion. They spoke Greek. Against the Hebrews (προς τους Εβραιους). The Jewish Christians from Jerusalem and Palestine. The Aramaean Jews of the Eastern Dispersion are usually classed with the Hebrew (speaking Aramaic) as distinct from the Grecian Jews or Hellenists. Were neglected (παρεθεωρουντο). Imperfect passive of παραθεωρεω, old verb, to examine things placed beside (παρα) each other, to look beyond (παρα also), to overlook, to neglect. Here only in the N.T. These widows may receive daily (καθημερινη, late adjective from καθ' ημεραν, only here in the N.T.) help from the common fund provided for all who need it (Acts 4:32-37). The temple funds for widows were probably not available for those who have now become Christians. Though they were all Christians here concerned, yet the same line of cleavage existed as among the other Jews (Hebrew or Aramaean Jews and Hellenists). It is not here said that the murmuring arose among the widows, but because of them. Women and money occasion the first serious disturbance in the church life. There was evident sensitiveness that called for wisdom.

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The multitude (το πληθος). The whole church, not just the 120. Fit (αρεστον). Pleasing, verbal adjective from αρεσκω, to please, old word, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 12:3; John 8:29; 1 John 3:22. Non placet. Should forsake (καταλειψαντας). Late first aorist active participle for usual second aorist καταλιποντας from καταλειπω, to leave behind. Serve tables (διακονειν τραπεζαις). Present active infinitive of διακονεω from διακονος (δια and κονις, dust), to raise a dust in a hurry, to serve, to minister either at table (John 12:20), or other service (John 12:25), to serve as deacon (1 Timothy 3:10; 1 Timothy 3:13). "Tables" here hardly means money-tables as in John 2:15, but rather the tables used in the common daily distribution of the food (possibly including the love-feasts, Acts 2:43-47). This word is the same root as διακονια (ministration) in verse Acts 6:1 and διακονος (deacon) in Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. It is more frequently used in the N.T. of ministers (preachers) than of deacons, but it is quite possible, even probable, that the office of deacon as separate from bishop or elder grew out of this incident in Acts 6:1-7. Furneaux is clear that these "seven" are not to be identified with the later "deacons" but why he does not make clear.

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Of good report (μαρτυρουμενους). Present passive participle of μαρτυρεω, to bear witness to. Men with a good reputation as well as with spiritual gifts (the Holy Spirit and wisdom). We may appoint (καταστησομεν). Future active indicative of καθιστημ, we shall appoint. The action of the apostles follows the choice by the church, but it is promised as a certainty, not as a possibility. The Textus Receptus has a first aorist active subjunctive here (καταστησωμεν).

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But we (εμεις δε). In contrast to the work given the seven. The ministry of the word (τη διακονια του λογου). The same word διακονια employed in verse Acts 6:1, but here about preaching as the special ministry with which the apostles were concerned. For "continue steadfastly" (προσκαρτερησομεν) see on Acts 2:42.

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Pleased (ηρεσεν). Aorist active indicative of αρεσκω like Latin placuit when a vote was taken. The use of ενωπιον before "the whole multitude" is like the LXX. They chose (εξελεξαντο). First aorist middle indicative of εκλεγω, to pick out for oneself. Each one of the seven has a Greek name and was undoubtedly a Hellenist, not an Aramaean Jew. Consummate wisdom is here displayed for the murmuring had come from the Hellenists, seven of whom were chosen to take proper care of the widows of Hellenists. This trouble was settled to stay settled so far as we know. Nothing is here told of any of the seven except Stephen who is "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" and Nicolas "a proselyte of Antioch" (who was not then born a Jew, but had come to the Jews from the Greek world).

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They laid their hands on them (επεθηκαν αυτοις τας χειρας). First aorist active indicative of επιτιθημ. Probably by the apostles who ratified the choice (verse Acts 6:3). The laying on of hands "was a symbol of the impartation of the gifts and graces which they needed to qualify them for the office. It was of the nature of a prayer that God would bestow the necessary gifts, rather than a pledge that they were actually conferred" (Hackett).

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Increased (ηυξανεν). Imperfect active, kept on growing all the more because the apostles were now relieved from the daily ministration of the food. Multiplied (επληθυνετο). Imperfect passive. The two imperfects kept pace with each other. Of the priests (των ιερων). Who were usually Sadducees. It was a sad day for Annas and Caiaphas and all the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17). Were obedient to (υπηκουον). Imperfect active of υπακουω, repetition, one after another. The faith (τη πιστε). Here meaning the gospel, the faith system as in Romans 1:5; Galatians 1:23; Judges 1:3, etc. Here the word means more than individual trust in Christ.

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Wrought (εποιε). Imperfect active, repeatedly wrought. Evidently a man like Stephen would not confine his "ministry" to "serving tables." He was called in verse Acts 6:5 "full of faith and the Holy Spirit." Here he is termed "full of grace (so the best MSS., not faith) and power." The four words give a picture of remarkable attractiveness. The grace of God gave him the power and so "he kept on doing great wonders and signs among the people." He was a sudden whirlwind of power in the very realm of Peter and John and the rest.

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