Summary of Acts Chapter 6 Plus 10 Profound Lessons

Ever wondered how the Bible relates to our daily lives? In the New Testament, we find a great example in Acts chapter 6.

This remarkable chapter offers us insights into how the early Christian Church faced and overcame challenges.

Today, we’re going to delve into the summary of Acts chapter 6. Afterwards, we’ll draw out the invaluable lessons from Acts 6 that we can apply to our lives.

Please keep in mind, this is a comprehensive exploration, so it might be a bit lengthy. But don’t worry – a handy table of contents is provided to help you navigate. Feel free to jump right into the exact section that piques your interest. Let’s dive in!

[ Read: 14 Inspiring Lessons from Acts 5: Applying Acts 5 to Your Daily Life ]

Summary of Acts Chapter 6

Before Acts 6 (Setting the Stage)

In Acts 5, we saw the early Christian Church growing fast. Despite challenges and pressures, the believers were united and influential.

Location and Time of Acts 6

Acts 6 takes us to Jerusalem, around 34 AD. The Christian community was growing, but that growth brought problems.

One-Word Summary of Acts Chapter 6

“Service.”

One-Sentence Summary of Acts Chapter 6

As the Church grew, the apostles selected seven wise and spiritual men to help ensure everyone got their fair share of food.

Theme of Acts 6

This chapter talks about leading in a Christian way, serving others, staying united, and the wisdom of sharing responsibilities.

Acts 6 Summary in Detail

A Problem Arises:

• The chapter begins with a problem: as the number of disciples was growing, some were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

Solution and Selection:

• To address this, the Twelve gathered all the disciples and proposed a solution. They wouldn’t abandon their work of prayer and spreading God’s word to wait on tables.
• Instead, they asked the disciples to select seven men who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. They would be appointed to this task.

The Seven Men:

• The suggestion pleased everyone. The disciples chose Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.
• These men were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Growth and Opposition:

• With this issue resolved, the word of God spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly.
• However, opposition arose from some members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who began to argue with Stephen.

Comprehensive Summary of Acts 6 in Table

Acts Chapter 6 Paraphrased

Think about a time when your community was growing so fast that some folks started to feel left out. This is what was happening to the early Christian Church in Jerusalem. As the number of believers increased, some people weren’t getting their fair share of food each day.

So, the leaders of the Church, who we’ll call “The Twelve,” decided they needed help. They didn’t want to get so wrapped up in sorting out food that they neglected their main jobs – praying and sharing God’s message. They asked the community to pick seven trusted and wise men to take over the food distribution.

The community agreed and chose seven men: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. These guys were presented to the leaders, who prayed and laid their hands on them, officially giving them their new roles.

With the food problem sorted, the Church kept growing, and God’s message spread even further. But as the Church grew, so did its opposition. Some people from a group called the Synagogue of the Freedmen started arguing with Stephen, one of the seven men chosen to help out.

Despite these new challenges, the Church held firm, knowing that every growing community faces hurdles, but overcoming them together makes the community stronger.

Profound Lessons from Acts 6

Lesson 1: When Division Wants to Creep In, Seek Unity (Acts 6:1-7)

"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." - Acts 6:1 (KJV)

Unity is a recurring theme in the Bible, and the importance of maintaining harmony within a community is crystal clear in Acts 6:1-7. Here, we see the early Christian community facing a problem that threatened its unity.

Just like them, we live in a diverse world. Different backgrounds, cultures, languages, and interpretations. It’s so easy for misunderstandings to creep in, for murmuring to begin, and divisions to form. But as we see in Acts 6:1, the early Church recognized the importance of addressing such issues swiftly and restoring unity.

So, what about us? Are we mindful of unity within our church, our community, or even our families? Do we actively work to maintain this unity, even when it’s hard? Remember, it’s not just about the absence of conflict. It’s about creating an environment of love, acceptance, and mutual respect.

Remember what the scripture says in Romans 12:8, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.“

So, in our daily walk, here’s what we should aim for:

• Seek understanding instead of assumption.
• Choose compassion instead of judgment.
• Foster dialogue instead of silence.
• Promote cooperation instead of division.
• Embrace love instead of resentment.

Unity doesn’t mean we all agree on everything. It means we respect each other, we listen, and we work together.

Let’s keep this in mind as we interact with others in our churches, our homes, and our workplaces. After all, a united group can accomplish great things!

Lessons 2: Qualifications of a Leader and the Essence of Choosing Capable and Respectable Leaders (Acts 6:3)

"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." - Acts 6:3 (KJV)

In Acts 6, we see the apostles setting a criteria for leadership – men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This calls us to a significant reflection on leadership in our own lives.

Whether you’re selecting a leader for a church committee, a project team at work, or even a country, the essence of choosing capable and respectable leaders is undeniable.

Effective leaders are not just those who can give the most captivating speeches or those who look impressive on paper. Rather, they should be individuals of integrity, imbued with wisdom, and guided by the Holy Spirit. They should be those who are equipped to make wise decisions, work for the common good, and uphold the principles of fairness and justice.

In our own lives, whether we’re in leadership positions or in the process of selecting leaders, let’s strive to uphold these biblical standards. This not only benefits us as individuals but also strengthens our community as a whole.

Lesson 3: The Significance of Delegating Responsibilities (Acts 6:3)

“The first rule of management is delegation. Don’t try and do everything yourself because you can’t.”

Anthea Turner

In Acts 6, we see how the apostles delegated the responsibility of caring for the widows to seven men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom.

This was not because the apostles did not care about the widows, or because they thought that serving tables was beneath them. It was because they realized that they could not do everything by themselves, and that they had to focus on their primary calling of preaching the word and praying.

Please pay attention to the following information:

• Delegating responsibilities is not a sign of weakness or laziness.
• It is a sign of wisdom and humility.
• It shows that we recognize our limitations and our need for others.
• It also shows that we trust God to work through other people, not just ourselves.

By delegating this responsibility, the apostles did not lose anything. They gained more time and energy for their ministry, they empowered others to serve in their gifts, and they avoided potential conflicts and complaints among the believers.

The result was that “the word of God spread” and “the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7).

What can we learn from this example? We can learn that delegating responsibilities is a good thing for us and for the church. It helps us to:

• Avoid burnout and stress
• Maximize our effectiveness and productivity
• Develop and equip other leaders
• Foster unity and harmony
• Expand the kingdom of God

So, next time you feel overwhelmed by your workload, or tempted to do everything yourself, remember the significance of delegating responsibilities.

Ask God to show you what you can delegate, and to whom. Look for people who are faithful, available, and teachable. And trust God to work through them as He works through you. You will be amazed by what He can do!

Lesson 4: A Man Full of Faith and the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:3&8)

“Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.”

Gerard Way

One of the men who was chosen to serve the widows was Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost.

The Bible tells us that he did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). He was not afraid to speak the truth, even when it cost him his life. He was the first martyr of the church, and he died with a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-60).

What made Stephen such a powerful and courageous witness for Christ? It was his faith and his filling with the Holy Ghost.

Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. He was not just a nominal Christian, or a lukewarm believer. He was on fire for God, and he lived out his faith in action.

He was not content with just attending church services, or doing religious rituals. He was willing to live out the word of God and was also passionate about serving others, and sharing the gospel.

He was not intimidated by opposition, or discouraged by persecution. He was confident in God’s promises, and faithful unto death.

How about you?

• Are you full of faith and the Holy Ghost?
• Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and rose again?
• Have you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4)?
• Are you growing in your faith, by reading the Word of God, praying, and fellowshiping with other believers?
• Are you doing great wonders and miracles among the people, by the power of the Holy Spirit?

If not, why not? What is holding you back from being a man or a woman full of faith and the Holy Ghost? What is hindering you from being a Stephen in this generation?

Don’t you know that God has called you to be His witness, His ambassador, His representative in this world? Don’t you know that He has given you everything you need to fulfill your purpose and destiny?

Don’t settle for less than God’s best for your life. Don’t let fear, doubt, sin, or complacency rob you of your potential and your reward. Don’t let the devil, the world, or your flesh stop you from being a man or a woman full of faith and the Holy Ghost.

Instead, seek God with all your heart. Surrender to Him completely. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit afresh. Follow His leading faithfully. Serve Him wholeheartedly. Witness for Him boldly. And watch Him do great things through you! Hallelujah!

Lesson 5: To the Ministers, Devote Yourself to the Word and Prayer (Acts 6:4)

The apostles faced a dilemma in Acts 6. They had to choose between serving the widows and preaching the word. They could not neglect either one, but they could not do both effectively.

So they decided to delegate the responsibility of serving the widows to seven men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom. And they said, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

This was a wise decision, because it showed their priorities and their purpose. The apostles knew that their primary calling was to preach the word and pray. They knew that these were the two essential activities that would feed their souls, equip them for ministry, and advance the kingdom of God. They knew that without prayer and the word, they would be powerless and fruitless.

The same is true for us today. If you are a minister of God, whether you are a pastor, a teacher, a evangelist, a prophet, or an apostle, you need to devote yourself to prayer and the word. These are not optional or secondary tasks. They are vital and necessary for your spiritual health and effectiveness.

If you neglect prayer and the word, you will starve your soul, weaken your spirit, lose your vision, compromise your integrity, and hinder your ministry. You will become vulnerable to deception, discouragement, distraction, division, and defeat.

So no matter how good a task may look, never allow it to encroach on your time with God. Serving table wasn’t bad at all, but they had to delegate it so that they could secure their time with God.

Therefore, dear reader,

• Don’t let anything or anyone distract you from prayer and the word.
• Don’t let busyness or laziness rob you of prayer and the word.
• Never let problems or pleasures replace prayer and the word.
• Not even traditions, trends or even ministry itself is worthy to dilute prayer and the word.

Instead, prioritize and passionately embrace prayer and the word of God. Make prayer and the word an integral part of your daily routine and a lifelong pursuit.

And watch God bless you abundantly and also bless others through you!

Lesson 6: The Importance of Remaining Focused on Our Spiritual Calling (Acts 6:4)

The apostles faced a challenge in Acts 6. This was a legitimate and important issue that needed to be addressed. But the apostles also realized that they could not afford to neglect their spiritual calling of preaching the word and praying. They said, “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2).

Knowing that God had called them to be His witnesses, to proclaim His gospel, and to pray for His will, they recognized that this was their primary and essential task, and they were determined not to let anything distract them from it.

The same is true for us today. We all have a spiritual calling from God, a purpose and a plan that He has for our lives. Each one of us possesses gifts and talents bestowed upon them by Him to serve Him and His people.

As we pursue our spiritual calling, we inevitably face various challenges and distractions that can divert our focus. These obstacles may manifest as conflicts, complaints, criticisms, or controversies within the church or society. Furthermore, we may encounter pressures, demands, expectations, or obligations from our family, friends, work, or school, alongside temptations, trials, troubles, or tribulations in our personal lives.

These things are not necessarily bad or wrong in themselves. Some of them are legitimate and important issues that need our attention and involvement. But we also need to be careful not to let them consume us or divert us from our spiritual calling.

Lesson 7: The Blessing of Growth That Comes from Resolving Conflicts (Acts 6:7)

The church in Acts 6 faced a conflict that threatened its unity and harmony.

But instead of ignoring or avoiding the conflict, the apostles addressed it wisely and effectively.

The result of resolving this conflict was remarkable. The Bible says, “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 faith” (Acts 6:7). The church experienced growth in three ways:

• The word of God increased – The gospel message spread more widely and powerfully among the people.
• The number of disciples multiplied – The church grew numerically as more people came to faith in Christ.
• A great company of priests were obedient – The church grew spiritually as even some of the religious leaders were converted.

What can we learn from this example?

• We can learn that conflicts are inevitable in any human relationship or organization, including the church.
• Also, conflicts are not necessarily bad or harmful, if they are handled properly and biblically. In fact, they can be opportunities for growth, if they are resolved with wisdom, grace, and love.

How can we resolve conflicts in a way that leads to growth? We can do that by:

• Praying for God’s guidance and peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Listening to both sides of the issue with empathy and respect (James 1:19)
• Seeking the truth and the facts, not the rumors or the opinions (Proverbs 18:13)
• Speaking the truth in love, not in anger or malice (Ephesians 4:15)
• Seeking to understand and meet the needs of others, not just our own (Philippians 2:4)
• Seeking to restore and reconcile relationships, not to win or to prove a point (Matthew 18:15-17)
• Seeking to honor God and His will, not our own preferences or agendas (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Lesson 8: When the Word of God Increases (Acts 6:7)

The church in Acts 6 experienced a remarkable increase of the word of God. The word of God was not just spoken, but also demonstrated by signs and wonders. It was not just heard, but also received and obeyed by many. Also, the word of God was not just a doctrine, but also a life-changing power.

What happens when the word of God increases? When the word of God increases:

• God is exalted – The word of God reveals who God is, what He has done, and what He will do. It magnifies His name, His attributes, His works, and His promises.
• Christ is proclaimed – The Word of God bears witness to Jesus Christ, the incarnation of the Word. It proclaims His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, and His second coming. It elucidates His purpose, His teachings, His miraculous works, and His divine nature. Its message beckons individuals to repent, place their faith in Him, and become His followers.
• The Spirit is poured out – The word of God is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who also empowers its proclamation and application.
• The church is built up – The word of God is the foundation and the food for the church. It equips its members for service and corrects its errors or faults.
• The world is transformed – The word of God exposes the darkness of the world and offers it salvation. It challenges its values and its systems.

As God’s people, this is what we should seek through prayer and labor. We should desire that the word of God grow in our lives, families, churches, communities, nations, and world.

We should read it,
study it,
meditate on it,
memorize it,
obey it,
share it,
and live it.

We should preach it,
teach it,
sing it,
pray it,
write it,
and demonstrate it.

We should love it,
treasure it,
defend it,
and proclaim it.

We should do all this because we believe that “the word of God is quick [living], and powerful [active], and sharper than any twoedged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).

We should do all this because we trust that “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 AMP).

So, imagine what will happen when the word of God increases in your life. Think of how beautiful it will look.

Lesson 9: Spirit and Wisdom: Irresistible (Acts 6:10)

The Bible says, “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10).

They could not refute Stephen’s arguments, nor deny his evidence. Neither were they able to match his knowledge, nor surpass his eloquence. This was because of the wisdom and spirit by which he spake.

What can we learn from this example? We can learn that spirit and wisdom are essential for effective witness and ministry. We need both the supernatural and the natural, both the divine and the human, both the heavenly and the earthly.

How can we have spirit and wisdom? We can have spirit and wisdom by:

• Asking God for them, as He gives them generously to those who seek Him (James 1:5; Luke 11:13)
• Studying the Scriptures, as they are inspired by the Spirit and profitable for wisdom (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Seeking godly counsel, as they are given by the Spirit through His servants (Proverbs 11:14; 1 Corinthians 2:13)
• Practicing what we learn, as they are developed by experience and application (Hebrews 5:14; James 3:13)

By having spirit and wisdom, we will be irresistible to those who oppose us, and attractive to those who seek us.

Lesson 10: Jesus is Often Misinterpreted or Misunderstood by the World (Acts 6:14)

Stephen faced false accusations of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God, as well as predicting the destruction of the temple and the alteration of Moses’ customs. These accusations were unfounded and distorted, stemming from a lack of understanding of Stephen’s actual words.

The Jewish leaders failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. Their perception of Jesus was influenced by traditions, expectations, prejudices, and fears.

Consequently, they rejected, opposed, crucified him and persecute his followers.

Today, similar misunderstandings exist. Many people lack knowledge of Jesus’ true identity, His deeds, and His teachings. Their understanding of Him may be flawed or incomplete, shaped by cultural influences, personal opinions, assumptions, or emotional biases.

Consequently, they disregard, deny, ridicule, or oppose Him, failing to comprehend the significance of His life, death, resurrection, and eventual return.

From this example, we learn that Jesus is often misinterpreted or misunderstood by the world. It highlights the importance of developing a personal, accurate, and intimate knowledge of Him.

This knowledge must be based on the revelation found in Scriptures, rather than relying on portrayals of Him in media, religious dogmas, or worldly philosophies. It necessitates understanding Jesus as testified by the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on personal emotions, desires, or fantasies.

Conclusion:

We have summarized Acts chapter 6 and drawn lessons from it.

These lessons aim to expand our hearts rather than inflate our egos.

Therefore, I encourage you, dear reader, to make an effort to apply these lessons in our daily lives.

May God’s grace be with you!