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Acts 6:3
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Seven Chosen to Serve

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

Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

8 And Stephen, full of1 faith and power, did great awonders and signs among the people.  
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?
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What Does Acts 6:3 Mean?



Acts 6:1-3

It is not without validity that most of our impressions or beliefs about our family, close friends, and acquaintances automatically involve knowledge about their character as a part of their reputation. Obviously, our interactions give us insight to these people's characters and reputations, whether our perceptions are true or false. Those who know us best will see any growth of character or lack of it. Even so, some can have blind spots in relation to a particular person (for instance, a mother may ignore her son's flaws), or the person may have a talent for concealing their shortcomings, even from those closest to them.

We see a positive side of this in Acts 6:1-3, where the apostles tell the church to choose seven men to become deacons. One of the criteria was that these men were to be "of good reputation," which translates from the Greek word martureo, meaning "to be a witness, that is, to testify (literally or figuratively)." The KJV also renders martureo as "give [evidence]," "bear record," "obtain a good honest report," "be well reported of."

These men were to show evidence of God's Spirit and wisdom in their lives, a combination of a good name as well as growth in character. It is interesting that, because they knew them best, the people were to select these men according to their character.

Staff
Our Reputation, Our Character

Related Topics: Blindspots | Character | Character, God's | Deacons | God's Character | God's Holy Spirit | God's Holy Spirit, Evidence of | Godlike Characteristics | Godly Character | Godly Character, Evidence of | Martureo | Name, Value of | Reputation | Spiritual Blindspots | Spiritual Character | Spiritual Wisdom | Wisdom, Godly | Wisdom, Spiritual | Witness | Witness, Quality of



Acts 6:3-6

Laying on of hands is a rite used to set people apart for special tasks. The laying on of hands is part of a formal ceremony by which the church commissions selected people into their new service. Paul advises that this should take place only after the entire matter is properly and prayerfully considered.

Martin G. Collins
Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of Hands

Related Topics: Basic Doctrines: Laying on of Hands | Blessing of Little Children | Blessings | Laying On of Hands | Ordination | Setting Apart for Special Use


 
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