Acts 6

I. The office of Deacons established. Vs. 1-6

A. The Church begins to multiply. Vs. 1

1. Ministries and problems begin to multiply.

B. The Grecians murmured against the Hebrews. Vs. 1

1. The Grecians’ widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

C. The twelve apostles did not see this as a racial problem. Vs. 2

1. This problem was the results of the lack of men to handle all the ministries.

D. The priority of the apostles is to preach and teach the world of God. Vs. 2

1. The apostles should not be serving tables and/or be involved in other ministries of helping the needs of the people. Vs. 2

E. Seven men were to be selected for these ministries. Vs. 3

1. Men of honest report.

2. Men full of the Holy Ghost.

3. Men full of wisdom.

F. The apostles will be able to pray continually and to minister the word of God. Vs. 4

G. The seven men chosen. Vs. 5

1. Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.

2. Philip

3. Prochorus

4. Nicanor

5. Timon

6. Parmenas

7. Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.

H. The apostles prayed and laid their hands on them. Vs. 6

II. The church and its ministry grew. Vs. 7

A. The word of God increased.

B. The disciples multiplied in Jerusalem.

C. A great company of the priest were saved.

III. Stephen is arrested. Vs. 8-15

A. “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Vs. 8

B. Those of the synagogue of the Libertines disputed with Stephen. Vs. 9-11

1. The Libertines are Jewish slaves set free. Vs. 9

2. They were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit of Stephen. Vs. 10

3. They accused Stephen of blaspheming Moses and God. Vs. 11

4. They stirred up the people, elders, and scribes against Stephen. Vs. 12

5. They brought Stephen before the council. Vs. 12

6. They had false witnesses against Stephen. Vs. 13-14

a. “This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:” vs. 14

b. “For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.” Vs. 14

C. The council looked steadfastly at the face of Stephen and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Vs. 15