Acts 6:8
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Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
STEPHEN ARRAIGNED BEFORE THE SAMHEDRIM. (Act 6:8-15) And Stephen, &c.--The foregoing narrative seems to be only an introduction to what follows. full of faith--rather, "of grace," as the best manuscripts read.
Open source ↗Stephen, no doubt was diligent and faithful in the discharge of his office as distributor of the church's charity, and laid out himself to put that affair in a good method, which he did to universal satisfaction; and though it appears here that he was a man of uncommon gifts, and fitted for a higher station, yet, being called to that office, he did not think it below him to do the duty of it. And, being faithful in a little, he was entrusted with more; and, though we do not find him propagating the gospel by preaching and baptizing, yet we find him here called out to very honourable services, and owned in them. I. He proved the truth of the gospel, by working miracles in Christ's name, Act 6:8. 1. He was full of faith and power, that is, of a strong faith, by which he was enabled to do great things. Those that are full of faith are full of power, because by faith the power of God is engaged for us. His faith did so fill him that it left no room for unbelief and made room for the influences of divine grace, so that, as the prophet speaks, he was full of power by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Mic 3:8. By faith we are emptied of self, and so are filled with Christ, who is the wisdom of God and the power of God. 2. Being so he did great wonders and miracles among the people, openly, and in the sight of all; for Christ's miracles feared not the strictest scrutiny. It is not strange that Stephen, though he was not a preacher by office, did these great wonders, for we find that these were distinct gifts of the Spirit, and divided severally, for to one was given the working of miracles, and to another prophecy, Co1 12:10, Co1 12:11. And these signs followed not only those that preached, but those that believed. Mar 16:17 II. He pleaded the cause of Christianity against those…
Open source ↗6:8-15 The Jewish leaders did to Stephen as they had done to Jesus (cp. Matt 26:3-4, 59-66): They got someone to lie about him, accused him of blasphemy, incited a riot, arrested him, and posted false charges against him.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
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.
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them
The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,