Notes and Jottings
Acts 6
(6:1). Grecian Jews are also called Hellenists. They were Greek speaking Jewish Christians outside of Israel.
(6:3). men, well reported of. The qualifications of deacons were that they had to be believing men of well report, spiritual men and wise.
(6:5). All seven men had Greek names.
(6:5). Stephen. He was one of seven men set apart for the service of the Gospel. He was a Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jew. He was the first Christian martyr in A.D. 33 when he was stoned for his faith. He was a faithful follower of Christ whose only crime was obedience to the Lord. The name Stephen means, “wreath, crown or honour.”
(6:5). Philip. He was one of seven men set apart for the service of Gospel. He was an evangelist from Caesarea. He was the father of four virgin daughters who prophesied in the early church (Acts 21:9). He had a conversation with an Ethiopian eunuch which led to the eunuch’s conversion and later his baptism (Acts 8:38).
(6:5). Prochorus. According to tradition he became the Bishop of Nicomedia.
(6:5). Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. A Jewish convert from Antioch. Name meaning, “conqueror of the people.”
(6:6). laid their hands on them. This is a formal sign of appointment and approval for service. Sometimes accompanied with prayer (Matt. 19:13-15) and was also a sign of healing (Mark 5:23). Ordination for particular service (1 Tim. 4:14).
(6:9). freedmen also called libertines. These were descendants of freed slaves. They had their own synagogue in Jerusalem.
(6:12). the council. The Sanhedrin.
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