- 1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
- 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
- 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
- 4But 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 of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
- 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
- 7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
- 8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
- 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
- 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
- 11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
- 12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
- 13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
- 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
- 15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
KING JAMES VERSION
ACTS 6
Read the chapter, follow a linked verse, and continue into related Watchman 33 teaching.
CHAPTER VISUAL
Acts 6 — The growing church appoints seven Spirit-filled servants for a just daily ministry as Stephen’s wisdom and witness meet rising opposition.
About this illustration
The laying on of hands and the fair distribution are joined to show why the seven were chosen. Clear light on Stephen’s face anticipates the council’s wonder at the chapter’s close, while his martyrdom is reserved for Acts 7.
Scripture basis: Acts 6:1–15King James Version · Standardized 1769 text with Strong’s numbering · Public domain outside the United Kingdom
EXPLORE THE MESSAGE
Related Watchman 33 Resources
Archaeological Evidence
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEInscription
Late first century BC–first century AD, probably before AD 70
Theodotus Synagogue Inscription
A Greek building inscription from late Second Temple-period Jerusalem names Theodotus, a priest and synagogue leader, and says his complex served Torah reading, instruction, lodging, and water needs for visitors from abroad.
Acts 6:9 · Luke 4:16–21 · Acts 13:14–15
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEInscription
First century AD
Alexander Son of Simon Ossuary
A first-century Jerusalem tomb produced a bilingual ossuary naming Alexander and Simon with a debated Cyrenian designation, an intriguing parallel to Mark 15:21 that documents a Diaspora family but cannot establish identity with Simon of Cyrene's son.
Mark 15:21 · Luke 23:26 · Acts 6:9
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEInscription
First century AD
The Nicanor Gate-Maker Ossuary
A decorated Jerusalem ossuary names Nicanor the Alexandrian, “who made the gates,” preserving rare bilingual evidence for a wealthy diaspora family’s connection with the Temple city.
Acts 3:1–10 · Acts 6:9
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEManuscript
4th Century
Papyrus P8: Acts 5:2–9 in a Greek Witness
Papyrus P8 is an early fourth-century two-leaf codex fragment in Berlin preserving Acts 4:31-6:15, including communal sharing, Ananias and Sapphira, and the appointment of the Seven.
Acts 4:31–37 · Acts 5:1–42 · Acts 6:1–15
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEInscription
late 1st century BC to AD 55/56
The Berenice Synagogue Donor Inscriptions
Three Greek inscriptions from Berenice in Cyrenaica record a Jewish politeuma, archons, civic honors, and named donors who financed synagogue repairs under Nero, providing direct first-century evidence for an organized North African diaspora community.
Mark 15:21 · Acts 2:10–11 · Acts 6:9
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEManuscript
Fifth century AD
Uncial 0175: Acts 6 and the Arrest of Stephen
Uncial 0175: Acts 6 and the Arrest of Stephen is a separately registered physical witness to the copying and reception of Acts 6:7–15, identified by its own GA number, shelfmark, date, layout, and custodial history.
Acts 6:7–15
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Doctrine and DiscernmentSalvation and the GospelSpiritual Warfare
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