Acts 6

1 By reason of the murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, seven Deacons are chosen by the Church, 6 and confirmed by the Apostles by imposition of hands. 7 Many joyn themselves to the Church even of the Priests. 8 Stephen one of the Deacons doth many miracles: and they of the Synagogue of the Libertines and others rise up against him, 10 whose spirit and wisdom when they could not resist, they draw him before the Council, 13 and bring forth false witnesses, and they accuse him of blasphemy against the Temple and the Law. 15 His face shines as an Angels.

1. And in those daies, [Namely, when the Apostles had been cast into prison] when the Disciples multipyled, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks, [Gr. Hellenistai. These were Jews by descent and Religion, but were called Greeks, because in the dispersion they they were born in the Greekish or Heathen Countries, and because they used the Greek tongue and translation of the Bible, which were afterward converted to the Christian Religion. See Acts 9:29.and chap 11.v, 19. 20. But the other Jews who used the Hebrew Bible were called Hebrews. See also 2. Cor. 11. 22. Philippians 3:5.] because their widows were neglected [Gr.overlooked] in the daily ministration. [Gr. Dakonia, namely complaining either that their widows were not also used for the service of the poor, or that their poor widows were not so well taken care for, as the widows of the Hebrews]

2. And the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said it is not fist , [Gr.pleasing, i.e. a thing which cannot please us] that we should leave the word of God, [namely, because we being hindred by ministering to the poor, cannot so frequently and so fitly attend to the preaching of Gods word, whereunto we are principally called] and serve Tables. [namely, on which the mony and the meat for the relief of the poor was brought and distributed, or else the friendly feasts after the Lords Supper which were then held amongst the Christians. Acts 2:46.]

3. Therefore look about brethren for seven men out of you, [That is, chuse out seven men for this service] who have (good) testimony, full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom, [That is of the gifts of the holy Ghost, needful to execute such a ministry with faithfulness and prudence] whom we may set [that is, appoint] over this needful business.

4. But we will persevere, [That is continue constantly and earnestly, Acts 1:14.] in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.

5. And this word [Or this thing, Hebr.] pleased all the multitude] and they chose [the choice was made by the Church, and the investing or confirmation by the Apostles v.6.] Stephen, [this name as also the six following, are all Greek names, from whence some conclude, that the better to take away the complaints of the Greeks, it was thought good to chose the Deacons out of the Grecian Jews] a man full of faith, [or faithfulness, which is principally required in this office] and of the Holy Ghost; and Philip [of him see more at large, Acts chap.8.and 21.] and Prochoras, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Permenas, and Nicholas, [Some Ancient Teachers think that this was the same Nicholas of whom we read, Rev.2.15. But this is uncertain] a Jewish-convert [Gr.Proselytos, that is, a comer over from the heathen to the Jewish Religion. See Matthew 23:15.] of Antioch.

6. Whom they set before the Apostles, and (these) [Namely, Apostles. See the like, Acts 8.v. 17.] when they had prayed, laid hands on them, [This costume of imposition of hands, was usual with the Jews when they blessed any one, Genesis 48:14.and when they were to sacrifice the beasts, thereby, as it were, to appropriate them to God, Lev, 1.4.and at the enstalling into offices, Num.27.18.Deu.34.9.The same rite Christ also used in blessing, Mat.19.13.and the Church in the investing of Ministers, thereby to dedicate them to God for his service, and to wish the blessing of God unto them, See 1 Tim. 5.v.22.also the Apostles in giving the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, Acts 8:17.]

7. And the word of God grew, [That is, increased in respect of the multitude of places where it was preached, as of persons which embraced it, Acts 12:24.] and the number of the Disciples multiplied at Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the Priests, [namely, of the common Priests, which were very many among the Jews, Ezra 2:36.whereof a good part were converted: but almost all the chief Priests were and remained the most vehement Enemies of the doctrine of the Gospel] were obedient to the Faith. [that is, the doctrine of Faith, Gal.1.v.23.]

8. And Stephen full of Faith [Here the word Faith is otherwise taken then in the former verse: namely, as well for knowledge and consent to the doctrine, as for a firm affiance in the promises of the Gospel] and power: [that is, of the excellent gifts of the Holy Ghost, whereby he worketh powerfully amongst men] did wonders and great signs among the people.

9. And there arose some which were of the Synagogue [Within the great City of Jerusalem there were many Synagogues and Schools, which were all distinguished by their special names, like as with us at this day, the Colledges are in the Universities] called of the Libertines, [that as it seemeth was a synagogue of the Italian Jews. For the Italians and Latines call those Libertines, which having been slaves are set at Liberty. Pompey having subdued the City of Jerusalem, had carried away many Jews for slaves unto Rome, whose posterity as Philo testifieth, were almost all by the Emperor Tiberias set at liberty, and it was permitted them to inhabite a part of the City of Rome over the Tyber, and to build synagogues there. So that these Jews being Libertines seem also have had a synagogue at Jerusalem, named after their condition] and of the Cyrenians, [that is Jews which dwelt in Africa in the City Cyrene lying in Lybia] and of the Alexandrians, [That is, Jews which dwelt at Alexandria in Egypt, and which were at Jerusalem] and of those which were of Cilicia and Asia, and contended with Stephen, [ that is, disputed with Stephen about the business of religion.

10. And they could not resist, [That is, not overcome. See Matth. 10.19. Luke 21:15.] the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

11. Then they sent forth men under-hand [Gr.they cast under; when could do nothing by truth, they turn them to falsehood. See the like Matth.26. 59.] who said we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.

12. And they moved the people and the Elders, and the Scribes; and falling upon (him) they took him, and led (him) to the Council.

13. And set up false wittnesse [Namely, against him in the council] who said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words, against this holy place, [Namely, Jerusalem or the Temple or both] and the Law.

14. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth [Stephen had not said that Jesus himself should doe that, but that by his judgement and disposing this should be done by the Gentiles, Luke 19:43.] shall destroy this place, [this also came so to pass about fourty years after by the Romans. Therefore he had said nothing else but the truth] and (that) he shall change the customes, [that is, the ceremonial Law, and those that properly conteined the Jewish policy; which was also the truth] which Moses delivered over unto us.

15. And all that sate in the Council, keeping their eyes upon him, saw his face as the face of an Angel. [That is, shining, or sending forth rayes from it. For with such faces the Angels used to appear, Matth. 28.3]