Purpose

To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author

Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.

Historical Context

Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.

Significance

The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
• The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
• Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)

Prophecies

• Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)

Acts Chapter 6 marks a significant moment in the early church's history, addressing the growing pains that accompanied its expansion. As the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the Hebrews, as their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. This situation prompted the apostles to take action. They recognized that managing daily distributions would detract from their primary responsibilities of preaching and prayer. Thus, they called a meeting of the disciples, urging them to select seven men who were known for their good reputation and filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom to oversee this task. The congregation complied, selecting Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. The apostles prayed over these men, laying hands on them, thus commissioning them for service. Following the appointment of the seven deacons, the church continued to grow, with many more disciples coming to faith, including a significant number of priests. Stephen, one of the newly appointed deacons, became a prominent figure, performing great signs and wonders, which aroused opposition from various groups, including those from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to withstand Stephen's wisdom, his adversaries resorted to subterfuge, instigating false accusations against him. They claimed he spoke blasphemy against Moses and God, leading to his arrest and trial before the council. During this trial, Stephen’s face was described as that of an angel, indicating his peace and divine presence amidst persecution. This chapter sets the stage for the events that follow, particularly the martyrdom of Stephen in Chapter 7, and highlights the importance of delegation and the empowerment of the Spirit in the church's mission.

Purpose

To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author

Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.

Historical Context

Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.

Significance

The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
• The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
• Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)

Prophecies

• Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)

Acts Chapter 6 marks a significant moment in the early church's history, addressing the growing pains that accompanied its expansion. As the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the Hebrews, as their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. This situation prompted the apostles to take action. They recognized that managing daily distributions would detract from their primary responsibilities of preaching and prayer. Thus, they called a meeting of the disciples, urging them to select seven men who were known for their good reputation and filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom to oversee this task. The congregation complied, selecting Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. The apostles prayed over these men, laying hands on them, thus commissioning them for service. Following the appointment of the seven deacons, the church continued to grow, with many more disciples coming to faith, including a significant number of priests. Stephen, one of the newly appointed deacons, became a prominent figure, performing great signs and wonders, which aroused opposition from various groups, including those from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to withstand Stephen's wisdom, his adversaries resorted to subterfuge, instigating false accusations against him. They claimed he spoke blasphemy against Moses and God, leading to his arrest and trial before the council. During this trial, Stephen’s face was described as that of an angel, indicating his peace and divine presence amidst persecution. This chapter sets the stage for the events that follow, particularly the martyrdom of Stephen in Chapter 7, and highlights the importance of delegation and the empowerment of the Spirit in the church's mission.