And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice that Nicolaus is identified not just as a "proselyte" but specifically as a "proselyte of Antioch." This detail highlights how the early church was already becoming a diverse community, welcoming people from different backgrounds and places into its leadership roles. It shows that the church's mission was reaching beyond its immediate Jewish roots, embracing even those who had been outsiders to the faith.
And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In response to a growing complaint that Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the apostles proposed that the congregation choose seven capable men to oversee this task. The people agreed with this plan, and then proceeded to elect Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a man who had previously converted from paganism to Judaism.
Stephen is described with unique descriptors. What does it truly mean to be 'full of faith and of the Holy Spirit'?
The text highlights Stephen as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." This isn't just a passive state; it speaks to a profound, active engagement with God.
Living by Faith:
Being "full of faith" means more than just believing in God. It implies a deep trust that shapes every decision and action. It's a reliance on God's promises and power, even in the face of challenges.
Empowered by the Spirit:
"Full of the Holy Spirit" signifies being constantly guided, empowered, and filled by God's presence. This fullness isn't a one-time event but an ongoing relationship that equips believers for service and testimony. It's the source of true spiritual power and wisdom.
This selection wasn't just about leadership; it was a strategic move to ensure fairness and unity. What does this teach us about serving diverse needs?
The appointment of the seven men, including Stephen and Philip, arose from a need to address a potential division within the early church. The Greek-speaking Jewish widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles proposed this solution, and the entire congregation agreed, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
Representation Matters:
By choosing men from various backgrounds – likely including both Hebrew and Hellenistic Jews, and notably a proselyte named Nicolas – the church aimed to ensure that all members felt seen and cared for. This was crucial for maintaining peace and unity.
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The Heart of Service:
The primary role for these men, at this stage, was practical service – the "serving of tables." This highlights that ministry isn't always about public speaking or leading large gatherings. Often, it's about the behind-the-scenes work of meeting practical needs, which is just as vital and spiritually significant.
While Stephen and Philip later became prominent figures, the text focuses on their selection for service. What does this emphasis reveal about true leadership?
The passage in Acts 6 primarily details the selection of these seven men for a specific task: the distribution of resources. While Stephen and Philip would go on to have significant public ministries, the focus here is on their initial appointment to service.
Obscurity and Service:
Many of these individuals, like Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas, are only named here. Their subsequent stories are not recorded in Scripture. This powerfully illustrates that the most impactful ministries often happen without widespread recognition. God uses those who are faithful in the assigned tasks, regardless of whether their work becomes famous.
God's Call to Duty:
The emphasis is on their qualification ('full of faith and of the Holy Spirit') and the church's choice, rather than on prior renown or future accolades. This reminds us that God's work is advanced by individuals willing to step into their God-given roles with diligence and integrity, trusting that He sees and values their faithfulness, even when it remains unseen by the world.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
Used here to describe the active, living trust in God and the finished work of Jesus Christ; it is the fundamental response of a believer that connects them to God's grace.
prosēlytos · Greek Noun
A Gentile who has converted to Judaism, adhering to its laws and religious practices.
The selection of these seven men, including a proselyte from Antioch, reflects the early church's intentional effort to represent its diverse membership and ensure equitable care for all, particularly Hellenistic Jewish believers.
c. 33 AD
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, leading to the birth of the Christian church and the rapid spread of the Gospel.
c. 33-34 AD
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The apostles and believers in Jerusalem experience rapid growth, with daily meetings and communal living. This period sees miracles and increasing numbers of disciples, but also initial tensions.
c. 34 AD— this verse
The Grecian/Hellenist Complaint
A dispute arises within the early church in Jerusalem as Grecian (Hellenistic) Jewish widows are overlooked in the daily distribution of food compared to Hebrew widows, causing murmuring.
c. 34 AD
Appointment of the Seven
In response to the complaint, the apostles propose appointing seven men 'full of the Spirit and wisdom' to oversee the distribution, to which the congregation agrees and elects Stephen, Philip, and five others.
c. 34 AD
Stephen's Ministry and Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the chosen seven, becomes a powerful preacher and miracle-worker, eventually leading to his arrest and becoming the first Christian martyr.
c. 34 AD onwards
Persecution and Scattering
Following Stephen's martyrdom, intense persecution breaks out against the church in Jerusalem, forcing many believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria.
This passage describes the qualifications for deacons, echoing the emphasis on character and faithfulness found in the selection of the seven in Acts 6.
Exodus 18:21This Old Testament passage shows Moses appointing capable men to help him lead the people, setting a precedent for delegating responsibility to trusted leaders. This parallels the Apostles' strategy in Acts 6 to address a growing need within the community.
Numbers 11:16-17God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders from Israel to share the burden of leadership. This highlights the divine principle of distributing responsibility and equipping others for service, a theme seen in the selection of the seven.
Romans 12:7-8Paul speaks about serving within the body of Christ according to one's gifts, emphasizing the importance of practical service and leadership. This connects to the specific roles and character qualities sought in the chosen deacons.
John 13:14-15Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet underscores the principle of humble service, which was a foundational aspect of the ministry undertaken by the seven, especially in caring for the Hellenistic widows.
barnesActs 6:5: "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:"
And the saying - "The word" - the counsel, or command, And they chose Stephen ... - A man who soon showed Acts 7 that he was in every way qualified for his office, and also suited to defend the cause of the Lord Jesus. This man had the distinguished honor of being the first…
expositorsActs 6:5: "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:"
Chapter 14 ST. STEPHEN AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. Acts 6:5-6 ; Acts 6:8-11 THE names of the seven chosen on the suggestion of the Apostles raises very naturally the question, To what office were they appointed? Did the seven elected on this occasion represe…
Notice that Nicolaus is identified not just as a "proselyte" but specifically as a "proselyte of Antioch." This detail highlights how the early church was already becoming a diverse community, welcoming people from different backgrounds and places into its leadership roles. It shows that the church's mission was reaching beyond its immediate Jewish roots, embracing even those who had been outsiders to the faith.
In response to a growing complaint that Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the apostles proposed that the congregation choose seven capable men to oversee this task. The people agreed with this plan, and then proceeded to elect Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a man who had previously converted from paganism to Judaism.
In response to a growing complaint that Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the apostles proposed that the congregation choose seven capable men to oversee this task. The people agreed with this plan, and then proceeded to elect Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a man who had previously converted from paganism to Judaism.
"And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch." — Notice that Nicolaus is identified not just as a "proselyte" but specifically as a "proselyte of Antioch." This detail highlights how the early church was already becoming a diverse community, welcom…
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Last reviewed October 2026