Seven Assistants (Acts 6:5-6) and The Testimony of Stephen (Acts 6:7-7:60) - By: Grace Tan, Posted on: 2007-09-18

As time passed and the number of Christians increased other problems arose. One of these difficulties was within the church itself. The membership now included not only Jews from Palestine, but Hellenists, Jews from Greek settlements. These Hellenists protested that in the distribution of funds raised for needy Christians they were discriminated against. Evidently the issue became serious and was brought to the apostles. However, these men declined to abandon their proper duty of ministering the Word in order "to serve tables." In this they were wise since their work of preaching could be done only by those who were especially qualified for it while the other work could be done by others. They recommended that the brethren select seven other men for the handling of the distribution of relief. These men were to be "men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom." Accordingly the group elected Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus. It is to be noted that all these bore Greek names. Two of them later became famous, Stephen as the first martyr and Philip as the first missionary outside Jerusalem.

While these men are not called deacons in this instance it is generally held that this is the origin of the office of deacon. The fact that seven were elected in this situation does not imply that the number seven is obligatory; the number may be smaller or larger as the situation may demand.

The Testimony of Stephen (Acts 6:7-7:60)

While all seven were good and worthy men Stephen seems to have been the leading one. He assumed a place of prominence as the church grew. Luke states (Acts 6:7) that "the number of the disciples multi¬plied in Jerusalem exceedingly: and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." The fact that the priests were usually Sadducees made the Sadducees party all the more bitter. Stephen's work was so effective that renewed persecution broke out. "Stephen, full of grace and power wrought great wonders and signs, among the people." His opponents "were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke." He was definitely charged with hostility to Judaism which was a charge not hitherto brought against the other disciples. But in the debates the Jews were no match for Stephen. Even Saul had gone down before the matchless argument of this man. Being outwitted by him they resorted to force. They hired witnesses who swore that "we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." Then "they seized him and brought him into the council" where they again used false witnesses against him. The high priest then asked Stephen if these things were true. In reply Stephen delivered a lengthy address to refute the charges against him.

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Please come to our website at www.childrenstory.info. Reference: All quotation of Scriptures taken from the King James Bible Version.

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