Acts 6:1-7:43

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 6:1-7

Having seen the church's struggles with her enemies, and triumphed with her in her victories, we now come to take a view of the administration of her affairs at home; and here we have, I. An unhappy disagreement among some of the church-members, which might have been of ill consequence, but was prudently accommodated and taken up in time (Acts 6:1): When the number of the disciples (for so Christians were at first called, learners of Christ) was multiplied to many thousands in Jerusalem, there... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 6:1-7

6:1-7 In those days, when the number of the disciples was growing, there arose a complaint of the Greek-speaking Jews against the Hebrew-speaking Jews, in which they alleged that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The Twelve sent for the main body of the disciples and said, "It is not fitting that we should abandon the word of God to serve tables. So, brethren, look about for seven attested men from your number, men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, and we will... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 6:1

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied ,.... From an hundred and twenty to three thousand more, from thence to five thousand more, and after that a multitude of men and women were added, and still they were increasing; see Acts 1:15 Acts 2:41 . This increase of the disciples agrees with what Maimonides says F26 Hilchot Tephilla, c. 2. sect. 1. , before observed, that "in the days of Gamaliel, רבו מינים , "the heretics were multiplied in Israel".' ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 6:1

A murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews - Those who are here termed Grecians, Ηλληνισται , or Hellenists, were Jews who sojourned now at Jerusalem, but lived in countries where the Greek language was spoken, and probably in general knew no other. They are distinguished here from those called Hebrews, by which we are to understand native Jews, who spoke what was then termed the Hebrew language, a sort of Chaldaio-Syriac. It has been remarked that Greek words ending in ιστης ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 6:1

Verse 1 1.Luke declareth here upon what occasion, and to what end, and also with what rite, deacons were first made. He saith, When there arose a murmuring amongst the disciples, it was appeased by this remedy, as it is said in the common proverb, Good laws have taken their beginning of evil manners. And it may seem to be a strange thing, seeing that this is a function so excellent and so necessary in the Church, why it came not into the apostles’ minds at the first, (before there was any such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 6:1

Now in these for and in those, A.V. (it is not ἐκείναις , answering to מהֵהָ מימַיָבַּ , but ταύταις ); multiplying for multiplied, A.V. ; Grecian Jews for Grecians, A.V. The Grecian Jews ; the Hellenists, for this is the appellation of them in the Greek; it means properly those who spoke Greek or otherwise followed Greek usages, applied to foreigners, here of course to Jews. Of a similar form and meaning is the word "to Judaize," translated "to live as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 6:1

The first note of strife. " There arose a murmuring," etc. Good and evil mingled everywhere. Multiplication of disciples means multiplication of interests and dangers. Prosperity in Churches has its attendant difficulties. Learn a lesson of wisdom and safety from the narrative. Money matters cannot be too carefully and spiritually controlled in all Churches. I. THE NECESSARY INFIRMITIES OF CHURCH LIFE Call be made opportunities of great blessing. 1. Let nothing be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 6:1-2

The call for order in the Church. It arose out of the very fact of increase. The association of people together demands organization and order. A few persons may have such an interest in each other and such a knowledge of each other as will enable them to dwell together in peace without formal rules, and this is abundantly illustrated from family life; but large aggregations of people, mostly unknown to each other, that are based only on some common sentiment on a particular subject, must... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 6:1-6

Institution of deacons. Notice: 1. The increase of officers was the natural outcome of increase in number of disciples, illustrating the great principle that the life of Christianity develops the organization and not depends upon it. 2. The spirit of charity was the underworking cause of the need of more rule. Had there been little to distribute, there would have been no ground of complaint. 3. The Jewish element was still uppermost in the Church. It was as yet an unordered... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 6:1-6

The first crystallizings of ecclesicastical institution. This short section has much to say, more to suggest, to us. The day of Pentecost had receded no distance whatever into the past; the holy enthusiasm of the days when new-born disciples sold their individual property in order to turn it into common property was literally but of yesterday; and Jerusalem, Christianity's cradle of associations the venerable sacredness of which was now superseded by a new, a young, a surpassing... read more

Grupo de Marcas