Atos 6
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 6
Utley - This is the first example of what came to be called congregational polity (cf. Acts 6:3, 5; 15:22). This is one of three biblical ways the modern church organizes itself: (1) episcopal (i.e. one top leader); (2) presbyterian (i.e. a group of leaders); and (3) congregational (i.e. the whole body of believers). All are present in Acts 15. Summoned (4341)(proskaleo from pros = to + kaleo = to call) is used only in the middle voice and means call to oneself. (1) literally; (a) call to oneself, summon (Mt 10.1); (b) to call in an official or legal (it was a legal technical term like our "summons") (Acts 5:40, Mt 18:32). Proskaleo is used of a divine call, as God's call to faith and salvation (Acts 2.39) or a call to a special task as God's call in entrusting men with the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 13:2; 16:10). Gilbrant - The essential meaning in classical Greek is “summon, invite.” Actively one can “invite” or “summon” someone to something (e.g., to court, to a banquet; Liddell-Scott). The translators of the Septuagint used proskaleomai to translate three Hebrew words, although one, qārâ’, most often stands behind it. The term describes “summoning” someone (Genesis 28:1; 1 Samuel 26:14 [LXX 1 Kings 26:14]; Esther 4:5). God’s summoning the Hebrew people is a distinct indication of His relationship with them (Exodus 3:18; 5:3; cf. Psalm 50:4 [LXX 49:4]; Wisdom of Solomon 18:8). In contrast, the ungodly summon death by their evil deeds (Wisdom of Solomon 1:16; cf. Proverbs 9:14f.). To “call on” God is tantamount to putting faith in Him (Joel 2:32). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Proskaleo - 29x in 29v - call(2), called(13), calling(3), summoned(8), summoning(3). Matt. 10:1; Matt. 15:10; Matt. 15:32; Matt. 18:2; Matt. 18:32; Matt. 20:25; Mk. 3:13; Mk. 3:23; Mk. 6:7; Mk. 7:14; Mk. 8:1; Mk. 8:34; Mk. 10:42; Mk. 12:43; Mk. 15:44; Lk. 7:19; Lk. 15:26; Lk. 16:5; Lk. 18:16; Acts 2:39; Acts 5:40; Acts 6:2; Acts 13:2; Acts 13:7; Acts 16:10; Acts 23:17; Acts 23:18; Acts 23:23; Jas. 5:14 Proskaleo - 12x in the Septuagint - Ge 28:1; Ex 3:18; Ex 5:3; 1 Sa 26:14; Est. 4:5; Est. 8:1; Job 19:17; Ps 50:4; Pr 9:15; Joel 2:32; Amos 5:8; Amos 9:6; Congregation (4128)(plethos) denotes a great number and in this context is a technical term for the whole body of believers, the fellowship, the community, the congregation, the church (cf Acts 6:5, 15:30). Luke does not state that every member was present and considering the size of the church at this time, that would have been difficult. It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables - Prior to this time the twelve apostles had apparently been ministering to widows, waiting on tables, distributing food and funds. Earlier the angel who released the twelve had ordered them (Acts 5:20+) “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” And in Acts 5:42+ we see they immediately obeyed and that "every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." But now because of the massive growth, the apostles were becoming negligent in their sermon preparation, so to speak. They were getting behind in their commission to be Jesus' witness and to win souls to Him. The apostles had not made a choice between good and bad, for it was not bad to minister to widows, but they had made a choice between the good and the best, especially given their specific commission. So if your gift is serving tables, then serve tables filled with and enabled by God's Spirit, serving as unto the Lord Jesus Christ and do not be discouraged by the thought that your work is less valuable than the work of those who are preaching or teaching the Word of God. Here is the principle you must lay hold of -- God does not assess the different parts of the Body of Christ the way men do. What He is interested in is that we are faithful in using the gifting His Spirit has given each of us, for "A spiritual gift is given to EACH of us so we can help each other" (1 Cor 12:7NLT), for the "Spirit works all these things, distributing to EACH ONE individually just as He wills." Thus EVERY believer has at least one spiritual gift and to fail to use it for the benefit of the Body of Christ and the glory of Christ is to be reckoned by God in the future as a poor steward! THOUGHT - So what's the upshot? First, if you are a genuine believer realize you have a spiritual gift from the Spirit of God. Then, know your gift! Finally, use your gift empowered by the very same Spirit Who gave you the gift! Beloved, do not be deceived by the secularism and relativism of our culture which is not just post-Christian, but is now in the phase of "neo-barbarianism" (a phrase used by R C Sproul). You will be judged accordingly. We all need to pray for the attitude of Paul who said "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." Then Paul explained why he was so passionate to be pleasing to the Father declaring "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that EACH ONE may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (NOT SINS BUT SIMPLY DEEDS DONE IN OUR OWN STRENGTH, NOT GOD'S AND NOT FOR HIS GLORY)." (2 Cor 5:9, 10+). If you need motivation to live your life in the light of eternity and not the "now" or the "present," then take a few minutes and read R C Sproul's essay from the 1977 issue of Tabletalk, entitled "Right Now Counts Forever." Just the title should stir your emotions to seek to live with a Spirit enabled passion and power to please the Pater (Father)! Let me quote from R C Sproul's follow-up 30 years after he first penned "Right Now Counts Forever".. It has been thirty years since I penned my initial essay under the byline “Right Now Counts Forever.” It was in the decade of the ’70s, at a time when our culture was still reeling from the deleterious effects of the war in Vietnam, and even more significantly from the radical moral revolution that marked the decade of the 1960s. History has shown that that moral revolution of the ’60s has introduced far more change into life in the United States than the political revolution of the 1770s. Our culture was described in the ’70s as one that was strongly influenced by secularism. The principal motif of secularism is that life is cut off from eternity. (ED: READ THAT AGAIN) All life must be lived in the here and the now, in this saeculum, for there is no eternal dimension. On the heels of secularism came the philosophy of relativism. Though relativism was embraced on many sides in the 1970s, it has since become so firmly entrenched in our culture that the estimated number of Americans embracing some form of philosophical or moral relativism reaches over 95 percent. In this regard, our culture has moved from what was then called neo-paganism to a culture now of neo-barbarianism. Though Roe v. Wade was already in place when I penned my first essay, the proliferation of abortion on demand, which reaches a million and a half a year, has so marked our culture as a culture of death that all vestigial remnants of our civilized culture die with the death of every unborn baby. Our nation is a nation at war with itself, where values, family, and morality so split asunder families and counties, states, and the nation, that the unified basis of our former civilization has been shattered. One thing, however, has not changed in the past thirty years, and that is the fact that because God reigns, everything that happens today has consequences that last well into eternity. It is as true today as it was the first time I picked up the pen for my byline, that what happens right now counts forever. Let the culture be paganized, let the culture be barbarian, but let the church be the church and never negotiate the eternal dimension of life. (from "Right Now Counts Forever) Related Resources: Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Gifts Chart Redeem the Time Desirable (pleasing) (701)(arestos from aresko) is an adjective which describes that which is acceptable, pleasing, satisfying, agreeable, that which elicits an agreeable response, gratifying. The first use in the Septuagint is Ge 3:6 where Eve says the tree was good for food and that it was a delight (Hebrew = taavah from avah - to incline or desire = a desire; Lxx = arestos) to the eyes." So here in Acts 6:2 the idea of "not desirable" is that it would not be pleasing in God's eyes. Arestos is used in Acts 12:3 "When he (Herod) saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also." John Stott - The devil’s next attack was the cleverest of the three. Having failed to overcome the church by either persecution or corruption, he now tried distraction. If he could preoccupy the apostles with social administration, which though essential was not their calling, they would neglect their God-given responsibilities to pray and to preach, and so leave the church without any defence against false doctrine. (The Message of Acts) Neglect (forsake)(2641)(kataleipo from kata = intensifies or strengthens the meaning of + leipo= leave behind, forsake) literally means to leave behind or leave remaining (of a person or place - Mt 4:13, 16:4, 21:17, He 11:27). Figuratively as in this passage in Acts 6:2 kataleipo was used to mean "neglect". Luke's uses of kataleipo in Acts - Acts 6:2; Acts 18:19; Acts 21:3; Acts 24:27; Acts 25:14 Word (3056)(logos) is a general term for speaking but always includes with rational content. In this context the Word of God would include the "whole message of this Life," (Acts 5:20+) but especially the good news "of the Gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24+). Serve (wait on) (1247)(diakoneo - derivation uncertain - cp diakonis = in the dust laboring or running through the dust or possibly diako = to run on errands; see also diakonia) means to minister by way of rendering service in any form or to take care of by rendering humble service. Tables (5132)(trapeza from tetra = four + peza = foot) means a table, as that on which one sets food (Mt 15:27 Mk 7:28 Lu 16:21 22:21, 30) or from which one distributes money. It is interesting that the table in Acts 6:2 was to help people (widows) whereas the table of the money changers was to bilk the people, including poor widows. (Mt 21:12 Mk 1:15 Jn 2:15). In Acts 6:2 trapeza is used to depict serving the widows and it could be a meal or it could be money (or both). Marshall points out that "It is not necessarily suggested that serving tables is on a lower level than prayer and teaching; the point is rather that the task to which the Twelve had been specifically called was one of witness and evangelism.” (TNTC-Acts) Alistair Begg says this verse teaches not that waiting on tables is bad, for it is absolutely indispensable, but that "waiting on tables cannot take the place of the ministry of the Word of God. That is why soup kitchens cannot take the place of the ministry of the Word of God. That is why social action cannot take the place of the proclamation of God's Truth.That is why singing cannot take the place of the proclamation of God's Word...It is God's Word which is light and reality and food for the soldier and the map for the traveler." (From his introduction to 1 John) For a balanced understanding of this topic the reader is referred to John Piper's excellent discussion on the integral relationship between "Serving Widows, Preaching the Word, and Winning Priests." One is reminded of one of Paul's last commands (knowing his death was imminent) to Timothy Preach (aorist imperative - It is urgent! Do not delay!) the word; be ready (aorist imperative) in season and out of season (WHETHER CONVENIENT OR NOT!); reprove (aorist imperative), rebuke (aorist imperative), exhort (aorist imperative), with great patience and instruction. (2 Ti 4:2+ Paul explains why in 2 Ti 4:3-4+). Acts 6:3 "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. KJV Acts 6:3 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. Therefore, brethren Acts 9:30; 15:23; Mt 23:8; 1 John 3:14-16 select from among you seven Acts 1:21; Nu 11:16; Dt 1:13; 1 Cor 16:3; 2 Cor 8:19-21 men of good reputation Acts 10:22; 16:2; 22:12; 1 Ti 3:7,8,10; 5:10; 3 John 1:12 full of the Spirit and of wisdom Acts 2:4; Ge 41:38,39; Nu 11:17-25; 27:18,19; Job 32:7,8; Isa 11:2-5; Isa 28:6,26; 1 Cor 12:8; Eph 5:18; James 1:17; 3:17,18 whom we may put in charge of this task Acts 6:6; 13:2,3; 1 Ti 3:8-15 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SEVEN SPIRITUAL MEN FOR SERVICE TO WIDOWS Life Application Bible - Finding qualified people who can and will help share the load of work is a mark of a healthy congregation. Therefore - Term of conclusion. It is interesting that no apostle is singled out as making this statement. Perhaps they spread out through the large number of believers to make sure all heard their conclusion. Notice that the apostles propose a plan so that the church would be better organized. Some people do not believe the church should be organized. They quote statements like "The church is an organism, not an organization." While that is true, it is also true that for an "organism" to function properly, it must have proper organization! Paul wrote to the church at Corinth "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner." (1 Cor 14:40). And ultimately it is the Holy Spirit Who brings order, exactly what He did in Genesis 1, moving over the face of the deep bring order out of disorder, turning chaos into cosmos. And He is still the One Who turns church chaos into harmony. Brethren (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) means literally from the same womb and literally a brother, but is used figuratively here to describe spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ (cf Ro 8:29+), all born of one Spirit (Jn 3:3-8, 1 Cor 12:13)! Select (aorist imperative) (1980)(episkeptomai) means to make a careful inspection, to examine, and here to look with interest and insight at the candidates before making selections. Presumably the entire body of believers offered names to the apostles. From among you seven men - By saying from among you the apostles are saying the church did not need outside applicants (First Qualification), consultants or services but that this was to be an "inside job." They also said the positions should be filled by men (Second Qualification), for the Greek word here specifically refers to male gender. Clearly, they are not saying women are either inferior or of no use to the Body life, but that this particular position calls for men. Why seven? Commentaries vary from seven is the number of fullness, to the known fact that seven was usually the "number of men used to handle public business in a Jewish town, the official council." (LAC) Stanley Toussaint suggests "Selecting seven men may go back to the tradition in Jewish communities where seven respected men managed the public business in an official council.” (BKC) (cf Josephus Antiquities 4.214). The seven to help the twelve is like the seventy to help the one (Moses) in the Old Testament as described in Ex 18:17-22 (no number given here but later seventy elders described - Ex 24:1). Notice like the 7 in Acts 6 there were 3 criteria for choosing the men who would assist Moses... Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18“You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. 19 “Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, 20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. 21 “Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able (1) men who fear God, (2) men of truth, (3) those who hate dishonest gain (or "those who hate bribes") and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 22 “Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. NET Note on the qualifications - Able men describes these men as respected, influential, powerful people, those looked up to by the community as leaders, and those who will have the needs of the community in mind. God-fearing describes them as devout, worshipful, obedient servants of God. Men of truth indicates that these men must be seekers of truth, who know that the task of a judge is to give true judgment (U. Cassuto, Exodus, 220). The word "truth" includes the ideas of faithfulness or reliability, as well as factuality itself. It could be understood to mean "truthful men," men whose word is reliable and true. Those who hate bribes is another objective genitive, one that refers to unjust gain. To hate unjust gain is to reject and refuse it. Their decisions will not be swayed by greed. It is not clear how this structure would work in a judicial setting. The language of "captains of thousands," etc., is used more for military ranks. There must have been more detailed instruction involved here, for each Israelite would have come under four leaders with this arrangement, and perhaps difficult cases would be sent to the next level. But since the task of these men would also involve instruction and guidance, the breakdown would be very useful. Dt 1:13 describes Moses addressing the congregation - "Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I (Moses) will appoint them as your heads.suggest that the choice of these people was not simply Moses' alone." So like the 12 apostles, Moses gave the congregation a role in the selection process. Now we get to the three additional qualifications they required in the men who would "wait on tables" for Jesus. As mentioned elsewhere many consider these seven men to be the first deacons, but this is not necessarily the case because they are never specifically called deacons in this section. Paul mentions the specific word deacon in Php 1:1 and the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3 and there clearly is overlap with some of the qualifications mentioned in Acts 6. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (1 Ti 3:8-13) Bob Utley comments - The word “serve” is the common Greek term for service, diakonia. Unfortunately many modern commentators, looking for guidelines for the later office of deacon (cf. Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8–10, 12–13) have used this text to help define that ministry task. However, these are not “deacons”; they are lay ministers/preachers. Only eisegesis can find deacons in Acts 6. Good reputation (:well-attested" NET) (3140)(martureo) means to bear witness and it is as if their life gives testimony or witness to who they really are. Martureo is in the passive voice in this verse and means to be well spoken of, to be approved and thus to have a good reputation. Ultimately reputation is what others think is true about us, while character is what God knows to be true about us! Martureo is used in Heb 11:2 to describe those who have "gained approval" on the basis of their faith, thus they were faithful men. These men had to be of impeccable character and integrity because they would likely be entrusted with not only food but money (offerings that had been laid at the apostles' feet.) Full (pleres) of the Spirit - That is they are controlled by the Spirit of Jesus, because they have surrendered themselves to Him, willingly submitting to His Lordship, His will and His way in their life. Ponder this a moment -- what are they being selected to do? In essence to minister to widows (or "to wait tables"), which we might be inclined to think is of as a lesser "ministry." But these criteria clearly indicate God's high standard for what He considers to be a high position. As Paul taught us "the body (of Christ) is not one member but many" and "God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." (1 Cor 12:14, 18) adding that "In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary." (1 Cor 12:22NLT). James adds that "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27+) The conclusion is that these members need the same divine power Source to "serve bread" as the apostles need to "serve Living Bread!" Filling with the Spirit is an absolute necessity for effective ministry for God. Filling with the Spirit denotes and delivers supernatural power for ministry. And remember that every believer is a minister for Jesus in one way or another. Everything we do, every day, is in some way ministry. So back to the filling. The question is in whose power are you ministering throughout the week, yours or His? Only the latter will bear eternal, spiritual fruit! We are all filled each day, but the question is are we filled with Self or are we filled with the Spirit? As someone has said "In every believer the Holy Spirit is resident, but what He wants to be is President!" These men were to be Spirit filled men. Why would this be so important? Because ministry for Jesus needs His power and the provision of His power is by His Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. And since every saint has the Spirit of Christ (Ro 8:9), every saint can potentially be Spirit filled. To do God's Word we need God's power. Jesus made this patently clear when He declared that "apart from Me you can do absolutely nothing." (Jn 15:5). Related Resource: Spirit-Filled Believers Are Like Artesian Wells The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! 1 John 4:4 Commentary A Spirit Filled Church Acts 1:8 Commentary Ephesians 5:18 Commentary Galatians 5:16 Commentary Our Anointing - The Holy Spirit Praying in the Spirit The Holy Spirit-2 (Full of) Wisdom (4678)(sophia) means men who are controlled by the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. While sophia is practical, it also emphasizes understanding of ultimate things—such as life and death, God and man, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, eternity and time. Sophia is mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense (Vincent). Sophia is used frequently in the New Testament to describe the ability to discern and conform to God’s will, certainly a good trait for these seven men to possess! And as Charles Simeon reminds us "True wisdom is the gift of God." As James says "the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." ( James 3:17) In this context wisdom would doubtless include having a practical knowledge of how to manage charitable funds. And remember wisdom is not knowledge. You can have a lot of knowledge about Jesus and doctrinal matters but be virtually devoid of godly wisdom. Here is the crucial difference -- wisdom is the supernaturally enabled ability to use knowledge from God's point of view. Knowledge can puff you up because you know so much, but wisdom makes you humble that you know no more. And remember that godly wisdom is something we can pray for as James says "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5+) Have you asked Him for wisdom in the dilemma you are currently experiencing? But be sure to ask in faith (James 1:6-8). So Luke gives us an excellent "checklist" for those who are to fill positions of service in the Body - they should be (1) from the body = believers, (2) men, (3) reputable, (4) spiritual and (5) practical. There is no lowering of the standard because they do not have one of the more "showy" positions in the Body! We tend to forget this when we select folks for position of service and we default to other criteria that are not necessarily Biblical. And we reap what we sow! While the text does not say, it would seem reasonable that women who are appointed to leadership roles in a church should meet the 4 criteria unrelated to gender. These men remind me of one of my favorite Old Testament descriptions in 1 Chr 12:32 Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command. Whom we may put in charge of this task - The apostles are in charge and are the final arbiters of who should be in charge of the widow ministry. May put in charge (2525)(kathistemi from katá = down + hístēmi = to set or stand) means literally “to stand or set down". It is used figuratively here to refer to "setting someone down in office" or appointing or assigning the seven to a position of authority. To put in charge or to appoint one to administer an office. To set in an elevated position. Westcott says that it is "the ordinary word for authoritative appointment to an office." Knowling adds that kathistemi "implies at all events an exercise of authority." Task (5532)(chreia from chraomai = to use, make use of or chreos = a debt) means a necessity, what is needed or the occasion of need. In thsi passage chreia refers an activity that is needed, their duty of feeding the widows. Utley adds that "This passage cannot be used to assert that deacons handle the business matters (KJV, “this business”) of the church! The word “task” (chraomai) means “need,” not “office”." Acts 6:1-10 Life-Giving Rain By David C. McCasland They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. —Acts 6:10 During the August heat of 1891, R. G. Dyrenforth arrived in Midland, Texas, determined to blast rain from the sky. Known as a “concussionist,” he and his team launched and detonated huge balloons filled with explosive gases, fired cannons, and exploded piles of dynamite on the ground—shaking both earth and sky. Some believed he made it rain a little, but most said all he caused was noise. The explosive power was impressive but ineffective. When the early church needed overseers, they sought people with a different kind of power. They chose “seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to manage the daily distribution of food. One of those was Stephen, a man “full of faith and power, [who] did great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). When disputes arose, those who argued with Stephen “were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke” (Acts 6:10). The Bible makes it clear that Stephen’s spiritual effectiveness came from being filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him the right balance of faith, wisdom, and power. Acts 6:1-7 Good Listeners By David C. Egner Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak. —James 1:19 In his book Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of listening to them. Just as love for God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brothers is learning to listen to them. It is [because of] God’s love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear.” Listening was a key element in solving a problem between two ethnic groups in the infant church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-7). One group felt that their widows were being discriminated against in the distribution of food. So the apostles wisely listened to their complaint, worked out an acceptable solution, and settled the dispute. Listening to others is also important today because our churches are becoming increasingly diverse. We come from broad ethnic and racial backgrounds and are at different levels of maturity. But if we show our love by listening, our common faith in Christ can bind us together. Are we so driven to express our views or vent our feelings that we don’t really hear what others have to say? Be this our common enterprise: That truth be preached and prayer arise, That each may seek the other’s good, And live and love as Jesus would. —Brewster Listening may be the most important thing you do today. Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood the GERMAN importance of listening to one another. He wrote, "The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of listening to them. Just as love for God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brothers is learning to listen to them. It is [because of] God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear." (Life Together) Listening was a key element in solving a problem between two ethnic groups in the infant church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-7). One group thought that its widows were being discriminated against in the distribution of food. So the apostles wisely listened to their complaint, worked out an acceptable solution, and settled the dispute. Listening to others is important today because churches are becoming increasingly diverse. We come from broad ethnic and racial backgrounds and are at different levels of maturity. But if we show our love by listening, our common faith in Christ can bind us together. When we are driven to express our views or vent our feelings, we fail to hear what others are trying to say. If, on the other hand, we follow Paul's admonition and esteem others better than our-selves (Philippians 2:3), we will improve our listening skills and reach a much higher level of love for one another.—D C Egner Men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. Acts 6.3 These were the qualifications for those who were to be set apart to serve tables, to look after the financial and business affairs of the Church. Note carefully the three things deemed essential for such service. First, they were to be "of good report"—that is, quite literally, "of good witness." They must be witnesses who had proved themselves as such, men in and through whom Christ had been made known. Second, it is said they were to be "full of the Spirit." That adds emphasis to the first requirement, for it is only men "full of the spirit" who are "of good witness." It also shows that the same witness to. Christ must be borne in the work to which they were appointed. Finally, they were to be "of wisdom." That is the recognition of the necessity for natural ability for business affairs; and, in its relation to the fulness of the Spirit, shows how the natural ability must be under His control. What a condemnation all this is of the way in which the Church has too often appointed men to manage her business affairs! No man should be allowed to share in such work who is not himself a witness by the Spirit. It is equally true that no witness should be appointed to this work if he lack wisdom, for that is essential to all true serving of tables. (G Campbell
Atos 6
Utley observes "These Jews put God after Moses! Their very sentence structure reveals the perception problem. Moses’ Law had become ultimate." Regarding against God would recall Moses' words “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. (Ex 20:7) Leviticus 24:16 decrees ‘Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. Recall the threatening words from the Jews to Jesus The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” (John 10:33) So if the antagonists were successful in their accusations, they could "legally" call for stoning of Stephen which is the conclusion the Sanhedrin arrived at in Mk 14:64 “You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. Blasphemous (989)(blasphemos from bláx = sluggish, slow, stupid + phémē = rumor, fame; see blasphemeo) is an adjective which describes speech that is slanderous, defaming, demeaning. It means to show contempt or disrespect for something, in this case Moses and God. Words against Moses - Literally words toward Moses in context in a hostile sense, implying Stephen had spoken words opposing Moses. Can you see the irony once again? Stephen had a "shining face" just like Moses (see below)! There was no opposition. There was agreement! Stephen preached grace, and grace in our hearts enables us to obey the Law. These unbelieving Jews were so fixated on works as the the road to righteousness that the mention of righteousness received by grace through faith was antithetical to their who system of belief and way of life and they were angry enough to kill Stephen in hopes that it would put an end to this new idea (not really new because it was always in the OT - cf Ge 15:6+) of grace based righteousness on the basis of belief in Christ's finished, substitutionary, fully atoning work on the old rugged Cross! Acts 6:12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. KJV Acts 6:12 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, they stirred Acts 13:50; 14:2; 17:5,13; 21:27; Pr 15:18 dragged him away Acts 4:1-3; 5:18,27; 16:19-21; 17:5,6; 18:12; Mt 26:57 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ANOTHER KANGAROO COURT Kangaroo Court - A kangaroo court is a court that ignores recognized standards of law or justice, and often carries little or no official standing in the territory within which it resides. The term may also apply to a court held by a legitimate judicial authority who intentionally disregards the court's legal or ethical obligations. The defendants in such courts are often denied access to legal representation and in some cases, proper defense. Prejudicial bias of the decision-maker or from political decree are among the most publicized causes of kangaroo courts.[citation needed] Such proceedings are often held to give the appearance of a fair and just trial, even though the verdict has in reality already been decided before the trial has begun. And they - The false witnesses in Acts 6:11. They were on a mission to destroy Stephen so they stirred up the people in a mob like mentality which included elders and scribes to give it a semblance of legitimacy. Stirred up (4787)(sugkineo from sun = with, serves to intensify meaning of + kineo = stir up, move, used in Acts 24:5, 21:30) to incite, arouse, put into a commotion (BDAG adds "in reference to many changes taking place"), to inflame the feelings or passions with another or others. Used only here in NT. BDAG has one secular use in the sentence "moved by the utterances of disaster victims." Stir up means to try to stir up public opinion, to agitate, foment, instigate, provoke, arouse or excite feelings and passions. Robertson on the picture produced by sugkineo - They shook the people together like an earthquake HOW TO RUFFLE A RABBLE A mob is defined as a disorderly crowd of people, especially one that is intent on causing trouble or violence. What a shift from a people who esteemed the apostles to a people who wanted to destroy a disciple! They surrounded Stephen in an angry and excited way. Stephen does not realize it, but unbeknownst to him, this is the last day of his life and also unbeknownst to him is the fact that the spilling of this godly man's blood will mark a major turning point, a defining moment, a crucial crossroads in the life of the Church. The people, the elders (presbuteros) and the scribes (grammateus) - No mention of Sadducees yet. Let's see the response of the group referred to as the people in the first 6 chapters - In Acts 4 Peter and John "were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them...and laid hands on (epiballo) them and put them in jail." (Acts 4:1, 3) In Acts 4:21 the people "were all glorifying God for what had happened (healing of lame man)." In Acts 5:12 "At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people." In Acts 5:13 "the people held them in high esteem." In Acts 5:26 the captain and officers "were afraid of the people lest they be stoned." Stephen " was performing great wonders and signs among the people." (Acts 6:8) But then we come to Acts 6:12 and something changes with the group known as "the people." The false witness stirred up the people, so that now the take action against one of the disciples, Stephen. The involvement of the laity in persecution for the first time suggests that the resistance to the church and the Gospel messages is beginning to increase.
Atos 6
Utley - Jesus saw Himself as the “new Temple,” the new center of worship, the new meeting place of God and humanity (cf. Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). Stephen’s preaching about a full and free forgiveness in Jesus was probably the source of “speaks against the Law.” The gospel message reduces “the Mosaic Covenant” to a historical witness instead of a means of salvation. In a sense their charges were true! These two charges were designed to stir up the Sadducees (i.e. “destroy this place”) and the Pharisees (i.e. “alter the customs which Moses handed down”). F F Bruce on will destroy this place (the Temple) - Whatever form of words Stephen used which gave rise to the charge that he said Jesus the Nazarene would destroy the Temple (Mt 26:61), it seems plain that he had not only repeated the words which Jesus Himself had spoken, but also grasped and expounded their inner meaning. The apostles and many of the rank and file of the Jerusalem church might continue to attend the Temple services and be looked upon as devout and observant Jews; Stephen saw that the work of Christ logically involved the abrogation of the whole Temple order and its supersession by a new edifice not made with hands, and yet within the main stream of OT revelation (ED: cf Heb 8:13). Jesus Himself had said, “one greater than the temple is here” (Mt. 12:6); these and other sayings of His about the Temple were apparently preserved by the early church in Jerusalem, but it was Stephen who appreciated their full force. The Gospel meant the end of the sacrificial cultus and all the ceremonial law. These were the outward and visible signs of Jewish particularism, and could not be reconciled with the universal scope of the Christian message of salvation accomplished (ED: cf Jn 19:30, Heb 10:12). This was the argument, pressed by Stephen in synagogue debate, which formed the real basis of the case for the prosecution. (NICNT-Acts) Nazarene (3480)(Nazoraios from Nazara = Nazareth) describes an inhabitant of Nazareth and here describes Jesus. In the plural nazoraios is used once to describe Christians (in a derogatory sense) (Acts 2:45+) This was in the inscription on the Cross (Jn 19:19). Nazoraios - 13x in 13v - Nazarene(9), Nazarenes(1), Nazareth(3). Matt. 2:23; Matt. 26:71; Lk. 18:37; Jn. 18:5; Jn. 18:7; Jn. 19:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10; Acts 6:14; Acts 22:8; Acts 24:5; Acts 26:9 Related Resource: Bob Utley's Topic Jesus the Nazarene Jesus (2424)(Iesous) - It is interesting that they use His Name here, because the chief priests had assiduously avoided pronouncing His Name. Destroy (abolish, tear down)(2647)(kataluo from kata = down, prefix intensifying verb luo = loosen, dissolve, demolish, untie, undo) means literally to loosen down (unloose) and then to utterly destroy or to overthrow completely. Gamaliel used this verb to justify letting the apostles go free (Acts 5:38, 39). Kataluo is used literally of destroying, demolishing or dismantling an edifice (even brick by brick). In the Olivet Discourse Jesus had predicted the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem And He said to them, “Do you not see all these things? (POINTING TO THE TEMPLE COMPLEX) Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” (Mt 24:2,cf Mk 13:2) which is what they accused Stephen of saying about the Temple (Acts 6:14) And alter the customs which Moses handed down to us - NET Note says "Stephen appears to view the temple as a less central place in light of Christ's work, an important challenge to Jewish religion, since it was at this time a temple-centered state and religion. Unlike Acts 3–4, the issue here is more than Jesus and his resurrection. Now the impact of his resurrection and the temple's centrality has also become an issue. The "falseness" of the charge may not be that the witnesses were lying, but that they falsely read the truth of Stephen's remarks." Alter (change) (236)(allasso from állos = other, another) has the literally meaning of to make otherwise. The basic sense is “to make other than it is." It means to to change, to cause one thing to cease and another to take its place, to exchange one thing for another. To make something different. To alter.
Atos 6
Utley - “fixing their gaze on him” This is a literary device often used by Luke. It denotes uninterrupted attention (cf. Luke 4:20; 22:56; Acts 1:10; 3:4, 12; 6:15; 7:55; 10:4; 11:6; 13:9; 14:9; 23:1). All who were sitting in the Council (the Supreme Court) - Every eye was riveted on Stephen. The Council (See preceding note on sunedrion) sat in a semi-circle on elevated seats so they could look down on the accused in the center. Talk about intimidating! Stephen however is full of the Spirit and therefore full of (controlled by) boldness, enabled to stand strong. Can't you see him making eye contact from one side of the group to another, not afraid to engage their gaze! As is frequently the case, it was not truly Stephen who was on trial, but the hearts of the members of the Sanhedrin. And Stephen's eyes were filled with grace, not anger or animosity. This would be enough to rattle any and all of the members of the Sanhedrin.