Acts 6 - Introduction

Some Widows Were Neglected Acts Six"Perfect unity" is the term that best described the early days of the church. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul..." (Acts 4:32) As the church grew into a multitude some began to murmur. They felt that their widows were being neglected. The task of caring for everyone was just to great for the apostles. They needed help in seeing that the widows were properly cared for. They also needed much time for prayer and preaching.

Seven qualified men were selected to assist in caring for the widows. These were "seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." When the seven men were selected the apostles prayed for them and laid their hands on them. The apostles wanted the widows cared for properly. The neglect had not been intentional. A mistake had occurred and the apostles wanted it rectified.

Even during this time the church continued to grow. "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." (Acts 6:7)

Stephen not only helped to care for the widows, but he was also a powerful preacher. The Bible says that, "Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." He was the first named, other than the apostles that performed miracles. Some disputed with Stephen but they "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke." When they could not answer his arguments as a disputant they brought false wit-nesses against him. The false witnesses said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God." (Acts 6:11)

When the council looked upon Stephen they "saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." (Acts 6:15) Stephen spoke with meek-ness. He was calm, clear, collected and fearless. His shinning face proved that he had not spoken blasphemous words against Moses or God. How would the splendor of heaven rest upon one that spoke in such a horrible way?