Bible Strands
Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The assembled believers respond to the apostles’ proposal to delegate daily distribution to seven men. This occurs immediately after the apostles declare their commitment to prayer and the ministry of the word.
The words — ἤρεσεν (ēresen) means “pleased,” and λόγος (logos) translates to “statement” or “proposal.” These terms mark the community’s formal acceptance of the apostles’ plan.
The thread — The selection of men full of faith and the Holy Spirit parallels the later description of Barnabas in Acts 11:24. The named appointees reappear in ministry records, including Philip’s proclamation in Samaria (Acts 8:5) and his later residence in Caesarea (Acts 21:8).
Why it lands — The text records how a growing community transitions from apostolic oversight to delegated leadership by commissioning individuals with verified spiritual character. It requires readers to recognize that institutional tasks must be assigned to those whose lives demonstrate the necessary faith and Spirit-filled maturity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Acts 11:24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
- Acts 21:8 Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven.
- Acts 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.
- Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
- Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
- Acts 7:1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”
- Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!
- Acts 6:10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
- Acts 11:19 Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.
- Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.