Bible Commentary

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 8 15. Of Stephen’s Preaching, Arrest and Accusation 8. And Stephen, full of faith ] The best MSS. read grace. and power ] i.e. of working miracles. He at least among the seven appears almost as largely gifted by the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:8”

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 7. And the word of God increased ] i.e. was more widely spread now that the Apostles were freed from secular cares, and left to give themselves … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:7”

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. 6. whom they set before the apostles ] That they might confirm, as they had proposed to do, the selection made by the whole congregation. they laid their hands on them ] As a solemn dedication of them … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:6”

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: 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude ] There was clearly no thought of neglecting any, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:5”

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 4. But we will give ourselves continually ] The Greek word is used several times in describing the earnest conduct of the disciples. Thus (Act 1:14) “these all continued with one accord in prayer,” and (Act 2:42) “they continued stedfastly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:4”

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you ] The word wherefore should according to the best MSS. be but, and the end of the sentence should be “from … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:3”

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them,] and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them ] They found that there was cause for the complaint, and at once prepared to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:2”

And in those days, when the number of the disciples were multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 1. And in those days ] Better, these. The narrative which follows is closely connected with Act 5:14, where it is said, “believers were … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 6:1”

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. 42. And daily in the temple, and in every house ] Read, as in Act 2:46, in the temple and at home. These are their two fields of labour, in the Temple, while they may be there, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:42”

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 41. worthy to suffer shame ] The Apostles count as their glory what the world would count as shame, cp. Gal 6:14, “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:41”