1.
And 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.
Verse 1
Grecians; Grecian Jews; that is, those who, having been born and educated in the Grecian countries around Palestine, spoke the Greek language, used a Greek version of the Scriptures, and conformed in many respects to Greek customs, though by parentage and in their religion they were Jews.--Daily ministration; the daily distribution of money or food to the needy.
2.
Then 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.
Verse 2
Serve tables; attend to secular business. The tables referred to were not tables spread with food, but such as were used in receiving and paying money. For another allusion to such tables, see John 2:15.
3.
Wherefore, 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.
4.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Verse 4
Ministry of the word; public religious instruction.
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:
Verse 5
These are nearly all Grecian names; indicating either that they were appointed to take charge of the distribution to the Grecian portion of the church only; or else, if their charge was general, that special exertion was made to conciliate those who had complained, by making the appointments mainly from their own number.--A proselyte; a man born a Gentile, and converted to the Jewish faith.
6.
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Verse 6
They laid their hands on them; ordained them by that ceremony. Joshua was inducted into office in the same way by Moses, (Numbers 27:23; Deuteronomy 34:9,) which shows it to have been a very ancient custom among the Jews. The laying on of hands, even in the apostles' time, was not the peculiar and distinctive ceremony of ordination, as it is now; for it was used on almost any occasion of religious solemnity. (Acts 8:17,Acts 9:17,Acts 28:8.) This account of the appointment and ordination of deacons has given rise to a great deal of speculation and discussion among those of all denominations who look to the practices of the early Christians for models of church organization and government, binding on the followers of the Savior in all subsequent times. Various systems have been deduced from this narrative, each made out by the help of many inferences and much conjecture. But, in fact, the appointment of these officers, made to meet an emergency so peculiarly local and temporary, seems too narrow a foundation for such a superstructure as a system of ecclesiastical polity of permanent and universal obligation. It would seem that, if the apostles had intended to found an order of ministry which was to continue through all ages, and remain permanently the same among all the nations of the earth,--under every degree of civilization, and every variety of political condition,--instead of ingrafting their plan upon an incident like this, they would have formed it expressly and deliberately, and would have laid down its regulations in comprehensive and general terms.
7.
And 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.
8.
And 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.
Verse 9
These are different classes of Jews from the countries around, but resident then in Jerusalem. The names generally denote the places from which they came.
10.
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Verse 10
The preaching of Stephen seems not to have been by virtue of his office of deacon, as that office was constituted expressly for the service of tables, that is, for attending to the secular business connected with money and accounts.
11.
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
Verse 11
Suborned; procured by bribery.
12.
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
13.
And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
14.
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
15.
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Verse 15
Saw his face, &c. It beamed with an expression of holy peace and joy.