The Position of Deacon in the Assembly (Acts 6:1-7) was established in response to complaints regarding the care of Greek-speaking widows. The twelve apostles instructed the disciples to select seven men to oversee the distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry (Acts 6:2-4). These men were chosen and ordained, leading to significant growth in the faith, including among Jewish priests (Acts 6:5-7).
Paul later detailed the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, requiring them to be respectable, truthful, sober, and not greedy. They must hold the faith with a clear conscience and be examined before serving (1 Tim. 3:9-10). Their wives must also be reverent and upright (1 Tim. 3:11). Deacons are to be faithful husbands and good household leaders (1 Tim. 3:12), and those who serve well gain honor and confidence in their faith (1 Tim. 3:13). The role of a deacon (office) differs from the spiritual gift of serving, which is open to both men and women (Rom. 12:7; 16:1). However, women cannot hold the office of deacon (1 Tim. 3:12).
The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8–7:60)
Stephen, one of the seven deacons, was full of faith and power, performing great miracles (Acts 6:8). A textual issue exists regarding whether "faith" or "grace" is the better reading, with "faith" being more contextually supported. The synagogue of the Freedmen opposed Stephen, debating him but failing to refute his wisdom (Acts 6:9-10). They falsely accused him and incited the people against him (Acts 6:11-13), charging him with blasphemy against the Temple and the Law of Moses (Acts 6:14). Despite these accusations, Stephen’s appearance reflected divine wisdom and righteousness (Acts 6:15).
Before his martyrdom, Stephen recounted Israel’s history (Acts 7:1-50), beginning with God’s call to Abraham while he dwelt in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran) (Acts 7:2-4). Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen. 11:31) and was called to the Promised Land (Acts 7:3). God gave him a land covenant (Acts 7:5-6; Gen. 15:18-21) and foretold Israel’s future enslavement and deliverance (Acts 7:6-7; Gen. 15:13-14). Stephen also referenced the covenant of circumcision, which relates to God’s eternal promises (Acts 7:8; Gen. 17:7-8).
Paul later detailed the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, requiring them to be respectable, truthful, sober, and not greedy. They must hold the faith with a clear conscience and be examined before serving (1 Tim. 3:9-10). Their wives must also be reverent and upright (1 Tim. 3:11). Deacons are to be faithful husbands and good household leaders (1 Tim. 3:12), and those who serve well gain honor and confidence in their faith (1 Tim. 3:13). The role of a deacon (office) differs from the spiritual gift of serving, which is open to both men and women (Rom. 12:7; 16:1). However, women cannot hold the office of deacon (1 Tim. 3:12).
The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8–7:60)
Stephen, one of the seven deacons, was full of faith and power, performing great miracles (Acts 6:8). A textual issue exists regarding whether "faith" or "grace" is the better reading, with "faith" being more contextually supported. The synagogue of the Freedmen opposed Stephen, debating him but failing to refute his wisdom (Acts 6:9-10). They falsely accused him and incited the people against him (Acts 6:11-13), charging him with blasphemy against the Temple and the Law of Moses (Acts 6:14). Despite these accusations, Stephen’s appearance reflected divine wisdom and righteousness (Acts 6:15).
Before his martyrdom, Stephen recounted Israel’s history (Acts 7:1-50), beginning with God’s call to Abraham while he dwelt in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran) (Acts 7:2-4). Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen. 11:31) and was called to the Promised Land (Acts 7:3). God gave him a land covenant (Acts 7:5-6; Gen. 15:18-21) and foretold Israel’s future enslavement and deliverance (Acts 7:6-7; Gen. 15:13-14). Stephen also referenced the covenant of circumcision, which relates to God’s eternal promises (Acts 7:8; Gen. 17:7-8).