Act 6:1-7 | Geneva | STEP | And {1} in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the {a} Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the {b} daily ministration. (1) When Satan has assailed the Church on the outside, and with little result and in vain, he assails it on the inside, with civil dissension and strife between themselves: but the apostles take occasion by this to set order in the Church. (a) From among their own members, who became religious Jews from among the Greeks. (b) In the bestowing of alms according to their need.

Acts 6:1-7

And {1} in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the {a} Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the {b} daily ministration.

(1) When Satan has assailed the Church on the outside, and with little result and in vain, he assails it on the inside, with civil dissension and strife between themselves: but the apostles take occasion by this to set order in the Church. (a) From among their own members, who became religious Jews from among the Greeks. (b) In the bestowing of alms according to their need. {2} Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not {c} reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve {d} tables.

(2) The office of preaching the word, and dispensing the goods of the Church, are different from one another, and not rashly to be joined together, as the apostles institute here. And the deacons must seek the consent of the Church more than the apostles. (c) It is such a matter that we may in no way accept it. (d) Banquets: though by the name of tables other offices are also meant, which are added to it, such as those which pertain to the care of the poor. {3} 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) In choosing deacons (and much more in choosing ministers) there must be an examination of both their learning and their manners of life. {4} Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they {e} laid [their] hands on them.

(4) The ancient Church, with the laying on of hands, as it were consecrated to the Lord those who were lawfully elected. (e) This ceremony of the laying on of hands came from the Jews, who used this ceremony both in public affairs, and in the offering of sacrifices, and also in private prayers and blessings, as appears in Ge 48:13-22; and the Church also observed this ceremony, as is evident from 1Ti 5:22; Ac 8:17. However, there is no mention made here either of cream, or shaving, or razing, or crossing, etc. {5} 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 {f} faith.

(5) A happy result of temptation. (f) This is the figure of speech metonymy, meaning by "faith" the doctrine of the Gospel which brings about faith.