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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER SIX:
GROWTH DESPITE PROBLEMS

[“A Test of Unity”]
Key word: Complaints

Acts 6:1-7 – The First Division in the Church

AC6:1 Now during these days, 244 as the disciples continued to increase in number, 245 there was a complaint 246 by the Hellenists against the Hebrews, 247 because their widows were being overlooked in the daily [food] distribution. 248

244	Now during these days: It is not clear exactly how much time has elapsed. It is thought by some that the period between chapter 1 and 10 of Acts covers about three years.

245

The disciples continued to increase in number: We know that about 500 disciples of the Nazarene were present in the year 33 AD. [1 Corinthians 15:6] Three thousand men were added to this around Pentecost. [Acts 2:41] Five thousand men were added later. [Acts 4:4] Then even more “men and women” became Christians. [Acts 5:14] Here even more must be added to the tally of the early Church. So within the first year or so at least 10,000 Christians must have been numbered in Jerusalem itself. That is a considerable congregation. With such increase it must be expected that ultimately some problems will arise.

246	There was a complaint: Or, murmuring. This is the first case arising in the early Church. It should be noted that here it is a legitimate complaint or case of murmuring. It was likely, and properly, raised by older Christian women.

247

By the Hellenists against the Hebrews: Or, Greeks, Greek-speaking, Grecians; BEC: a complaint was brought against those who spoke Aramaic by those who spoke Greek. So, the first appearance of disunity was between two language groups. Though these widows were all Christian Jews, there was a degree of prejudice regarding their language groups.

248

Because their widows were being overlooked in the daily [food] distribution: Or, KJV: neglected in the daily ministration; KNX: administration of relief. The very thought makes one shudder in disbelief. That Christian widows would be “overlooked” just because they did not speak Hebrew. Compare notes on James 1:27. The Church generally looked after its widows and Paul writes on the subject. [1 Timothy 5:3] God looks after widows. [Psalm 68:5] Jesus noted them. [Luke 21:1-4] Widows occur later in Acts 9:39, 41. In some areas of the modern Church ethnic prejudices continue.

AC6:2 Now the Twelve called together 249 the full number of the disciples 250 and said to them: “It is not our pleasure 251 to abandon the Word of The God 252 in order to serve tables.

249	The Twelve called together: It is the apostles who move to correct the complaint.

250	The full number of the disciples: Or, multitude, general body of, meeting of the community. This must have been a sizeable conference. In the first major decision in the Church, ALL of the disciples were called together. Nothing is being decided in secret meetings.

251	It is not our pleasure: Or, not desirable, not fit, it will not do, a grave mistake.

252	To abandon the Word of The God: Or, forsake, leave, neglect.

AC6:3 So, brothers, select from your number 253 seven men who are well spoken of 254 – full of Pneuma and wisdom 255 – and then we will appoint them over this duty. 256

253	Brothers, select from your number: Since only men were so chosen, it seems likely that “brothers” here means the Christian men who determined this selection. It is interesting to note that the apostles did not make this selection themselves, but left it to the brotherhood.

254	Seven men who are well spoken of: Or, honest report, good report, well-attested, good reputation, good standing, certified. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 3:7, 13. Since the appointment involves only oversight over material concerns it may be these men were the first deacons or church servants.

255

Wisdom: Or, WMS: good practical sense. There is almost an echo here of Moses’ problem in carrying for Israel. Deuteronomy 1:12, 13 records: “How can I shoulder this burden myself as well as the burden of your complaining? Select wise, discerning, and adept men from your tribes, and then I will appoint them as leaders over you.” [NCMM]

256	We will appoint them over this duty: Or, assign, put in charge. Though the selection was made by the body of brothers, the appointment came through the apostolic body.

AC6:4 But, as for us, we will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” 257

257

Devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word: Or, KJV: give ourselves continually to; BAS: give all our time; BAS: teaching the word; RIE: preaching the gospel. The apostles were “elders” or “overseers” and as such their primary duties in the Church dealt with the spiritual matters, while deacons or church servants handled matters of a material nature.

AC6:5 And, this statement before the full number [of the disciples] pleased everyone. 258 So, they chose Stephen (a man full of conviction and holy Pneuma), 259 and also Philip, 260 Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (a proselyte from Antioch). 261

258	Pleased everyone: Whether this was a congregational vote is not stated. More likely, the decision of the apostolic body was accepted well by everyone.

259	Stephen [a man full of conviction and holy Pneuma]: Only Stephen is so described, likely because of developments to follow. The name Stephen means “Crown.”

260	Philip: Possibly the same who appears later in chapter 8. [Acts 21:9]

261	Nicolas (a proselyte from Antioch): Or, TCN: a former convert to Judaism. The fact that this is mentioned may indicate the others were Jews by birth and this disciple was the only converted non-Jew among them.

AC6:6 These men were placed before the apostles, and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them. 262

262

They laid their hands upon them: The phrase means an appointment, or sometimes, a dispensing of a pneumatic gift. At Hebrews 6:1 Paul writes that “the laying on of hands” is a fundamental principle of Christian doctrine. It is the apostolic body that made the appointment of the seven men chosen by the brotherhood. Compare Acts 4:3; 5:12; 8:17-19; 9:12, 17; 13:3; 14:3; 19:6; 28:8. The phrase indicates a central body of Christian men, or their representatives, who made appointments within the Church. [1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6]

AC6:7 As a result, the Word of The God continued to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. Also, a large crowd of the [Jewish] priests were obeying the faith. 263

263	A large crowd of the [Jewish] priests were obeying the faith: Or, great company, host, very many. Many of these had believed in Jesus earlier but were afraid to manifest themselves because of the Jews. [John 12:42] Some of them became a later problem in the Church. [Acts 15:5]

Acts 6:8-15 – Stephen Falsely Accused

AC6:8 Now [this] Stephen, full of charisma and dynamism, 264 was performing wonders and great signs among the [Jewish] people.

264	Full of charisma and dynamism: Or, KJV: full of faith and power; ASV: full of grace and power. The Greek is CHARITOS KAI DYNAMEOS.

AC6:9 But, some of those from the Synagogue of the Freedmen, 265 along with those from Cyrene and Alexandria, 266 some from Cilicia and Asia [Minor] – kept debating with Stephen.

265	Some of those from the Synagogue of the Freedmen: Or, Libertines. The Aramaic has it “Libyans.” It is thought by some these were Jewish slaves later given their freedom by Rome. Possibly they were from North Africa.

266

Cyrene and Alexandria: Both of North Africa. It is remembered it was one from Cyrene who helped the Nazarene carry his stake. [Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26.] The place has been mentioned earlier in Acts 2:10 as one of the languages the apostles spoke. Others are from the same place. [Acts 11:20; 13:1] Alexandria had the largest Jewish population outside of Jerusalem and one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world. Apollo was from Alexandria. [Acts 18:24]

AC6:10 However, they were not able to rebut 267 the wisdom and the Pneuma with which he was speaking. 268

267	Not able to rebut: Or, resist, withstand, cope with, no match, unable. Note the Master’s promise at Luke 21:15.

268	The wisdom and the Pneuma with which he was speaking: Or, TCN: wisdom and inspiration; WMS: his good practical sense and the spiritual power; NEB: inspired wisdom. [Isaiah 54:17] He speaks after the manner of Jesus. [Matthew 22]

AC6:11 As a result, these secretly plotted with some men, 269 saying: “We heard [Stephen] speaking blasphemies against Moses and The God.” 270

269	These secretly plotted with some men: Or, instigated, bribed, employed.

270	Blasphemies against Moses and The God: Or, slander, abusive language. When ungodly men cannot find a genuine basis for a charge, they resort to these tactics. However, there may be some truth in Stephen’s words regarding the Law of Moses, just as Paul writes later.

AC6:12 So they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they all took their stand against him. And all together they grabbed him and brought him to the Sanhedrin. AC6:13 Then false witnesses rose up and testified: “This person would not stop speaking words against this Holy Place 271 as well as the Law [of Moses]. 272

271	Speaking words against this Holy Place: Or, RIE: temple. It is possible Stephen repeats the Nazarene prophecy about the desolation of Jerusalem as also foretold by Daniel. [Matthew 24:1, 2, 15; Daniel 9:25-27]

272	As well as the Law [of Moses]: Stephen may have stated the Law was fulfilled in Christ as Jesus himself taught. [Matthew 5:17, 18]

AC6:14 For we have heard him saying that Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place 273 and will change the customs that Moses handed down to us [Jews].” 274

273	We have heard him saying that Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place: Perhaps echoing Jesus at Matthew 24:1, 2, 15-21 and Luke 19:41-44, both based on the prophet Daniel. Jeremiah was accused of the same. [Jeremiah 26:11]

274	Change the customs that Moses handed down to us: Or, traditions. Perhaps comments on Jeremiah 31:31-33. [Luke 22:20] It is likely that Stephen mentioned the fulfillment of the Law in Christ and its passing away, just as Paul writes.

AC6:15 Then all those sitting in the Sanhedrin stared at Stephen, and what they saw was the face of an angel. 275

275	They saw was the face of an angel: Or, MOF: his face shown like the face of; NEB: his face appeared to them like the face of an angel. Compare Judges 13:6.

Review Questions on Chapter Six