Bible Groups - Digests of Bible Commentaries

The Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 6

Revised 2014

In Chapters 6-12 the Church extends outside Jerusalem, instead of waiting for immigrants to come to it, while continuing to be centred on Jerusalem.
1 Numbers growing - leadership needs augmenting, as Moses had to (Exod 18:17-23). Also expands outside Jesus’ Aramaic culture. Many Jews living in Palestine spoke Greek, and were culturally Greco-Roman - ie Hellenist Jews. Christians among these were Hellenist Jewish Christians, or Hellenists. Friction arises between the groups speaking different languages, as often today. There may also be theological differences: the Apostles continue to worship at the temple, but Stephen speaks as if the temple has no more meaning (7:48-50). In fact the Jews themselves at this time were sharply divided over whether the Jerusalem Temple was the sole place on earth at which sacrifice could be offered to God. This disagreement may have carried over to Jews who became Christians. As often the case, theological disagreement is expressed in financial terms. Were the Hebrews trying to force the Hellenists to conform by withholding cash? Neglecting the needs of widows was seen by Jews as serious, and if some were immigrants they would be cut off from help both by family and fellow Jews. Increasing numbers and arguments lead to a need for more clearly defined leadership. (Although Luke’s main purpose may be to introduce Stephen and his long speech and martyrdom.)
2 The Apostles see their main role that of developing kerygma by formulating the teachings of Jesus. “wait on tables” is shorthand for admin and control over funds, but control over the community funds may symbolise the Apostles’ authority. However the Apostles may not have fully accepted Jesus’ precept that those in authority in the Church must also serve. The newly appointed Hellenist leaders do not restrict themselves to admin, but Stephen and Philip preach the word of God and work signs and wonders, etc, like the Apostles. The “whole community” or “multitude” may be a technical term for those who could vote, as for the Essenes.
3 The 12 symbolised the 12 tribes of Israel; 7, a perfect number, signified universality: the Church is now extending beyond Israel.
4 This shows the Apostles as very effective in their important role of maintaining the wholeness of God’s renewed people, ie koinonia. The Hellenists are not forced out or forced to conform, but allowed to remain as full brothers and sisters in Christ, with their own leaders and administrators. Acceptance of this proposal by the whole community was a decision for pluralism: cultural and theological differences were judged as of less importance than their common belief in Jesus. Most believers in Jesus decided very early that it was better to tolerate differences of practice and thought rather than to break koinonia. The Apostles are also emphasising that the pastors of the Church are primarily responsible for preaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and governing the people of God (to ensure its unity): anything else may get in the way of these primary duties.
5 All Greek names, and introduces Stephen, the first martyr. A proselyte is one who believes and follows Judaism, (but is not circumcised?). It is likely that similar new leaders were also appointed about this time (AD36) for the Hebrew community, since it is clear later (Acts 11 etc) that the Jerusalem Church is led by James, the brother of the Lord. But perhaps Luke is less interested in this, since he was from the western branch.
6 Authority of the new leaders is derived from the Apostles by their prayer and laying on of hands. This was the traditional Jewish form of designating persons for a task and invoking upon them the divine blessing and power to perform it (Num 8:10, Num 27:20, Deut 13:9). Important distinction between election by the people and appointment by the Apostles: authority and power comes only from above. (Although an alternative translation could imply that the whole community prayed and laid hands on the 7)
7 The Jerusalem community has grown to significant numbers, even including temple priests, seen by Luke as the restored Israel as promised in scriptures, and longed for by Isaiah. Now a sound base for expansion.
8 Stephen, filled with the Spirit, soon does signs and wonders, like the Apostles - presumably healing.
9 Stephen also debates vigorously with Greek-speaking Jews who have not accepted Jesus.
11 So Stephen’s opponents falsely accuse him before the Sanhedrin, with many parallels to Jesus’ trial, including the false charge of saying Jesus said he could destroy the temple, omitted by Luke from his Gospel.
15 Strange how the Sanhedrin members are reported as seeing Stephen’s face “like the face of an angel” - the testimony of non-believers continues to be important. Cf Moses coming down from Sinai (Ex 34:29-35). The face of an angel induces fear, it is not a romantic, cherubic image!