Selection of the seven (verse 5-6)

“The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.” (1) Let’s look at the lineup of the seven chosen men. Seeing that all of them have Greek names, it is likely that they are Hellenistic Jews. This shows loving concession and wisdom. Since the complaint was raised by the Hellenistic Jews, it was deemed wise that the mediator should also be Hellenistic Jews. (2) There are three notable individuals: Stephen, Philip, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. They are key figures necessary for the development of the upcoming narrative. There is no information available about the other four. (3) The apostles prayed for the seven and laid their hands on them. This was a public declaration that authority was being delegated from the apostles to them. They became agents of the apostles. Incidentally, the laying on of hands is a Jewish custom (ref. Num. 27:22-23). Modern rabbis are also ordained in this same manner.

Church growth report (verse 7)

“The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” (1) This is the second church growth report in the Acts of the Apostles. The first growth report was in Acts 2:47, where it says, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 6:7 is the second growth report. This growth was a result of the resolving the internal problems within the church. (2) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly. There is also a mention of priests converting to the faith: “a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” They were Sadducees. When we go in chapter 7, we will see Stephen being condemned. Luke is preparing for that here. Luke wants to convey that “if Stephen’s teaching were blasphemous, it would be impossible for many priests to convert.” When the internal issues were resolved, the church experienced significant growth. Trials and blessings seem to come in a certain cycle. There is something that remains constant within this cycle. Whether in times of trial or in times of blessing, God is always with us. This truth is unchanging.