Acts 6:3
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Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
look ye out among you--that is, ye, "the multitude," from among yourselves. seven men of honest report--good reputation (Act 10:22; Ti1 3:7). full of the Holy Ghost--not full of miraculous gifts, which would have been no qualification for the duties required, but spiritually gifted (although on two of them miraculous power did rest). and wisdom--discretion, aptitude for practical business. whom we may appoint--for while the election was vested in the Christian people, the appointment lay with the apostles, as spiritual rulers.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. The discontent that was among the disciples about the distribution of the public charity (Act 6:1). II. The election and ordination of seven men, who should take care of that matter, and ease the apostles of the burden (Act 6:2-6). III. The increase of the church, by the addition of many to it (Act 6:7). IV. A particular account of Stephen, one of the seven. 1. His great activity for Christ (Act 6:8). 2. The opposition he met with from the enemies of Christianity, and his disputes with them (Act 6:9, Act 6:10). 3. The convening of him before the great sanhedrim, and the crimes laid to his charge (Act 6:11-14). 4. God's owning him upon his trial (Act 6:15).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
For his God instructs and teaches him properly.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.