Acts Chapter 6 in Simple English

Updated on October 1, 2026

Read Acts Chapter 6

1In those days the number of the disciples was growing. The Greek-speaking believers began to complain against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily giving out of food.

2So the twelve called all the disciples together and said, "It is not right for us to leave the word of God and wait on tables."

3So, brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are well spoken of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this work.

4"But we will give ourselves without stopping to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

5What they said pleased the whole group. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

6They brought these men to the apostles. The apostles prayed and laid their hands on them.

7The word of God spread. The number of the disciples in Jerusalem grew very large, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

8Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9Then some men stood up against him. They were from the synagogue called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, along with men of Cyrene and Alexandria, and men from Cilicia and Asia. They argued with Stephen,

10but they were not able to stand against the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.

11Then they secretly paid men to say, "We have heard him speak words of blasphemy against Moses, and against God."

12They stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes. They came upon Stephen, seized him, and brought him to the council.

13They put forward false witnesses, who said, "This man never stops speaking words against this holy place and against the law."

14"We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs that Moses handed down to us."

15Everyone sitting in the council looked steadily at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

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Explanation

Acts 6

In short

The church in Jerusalem grows so large that the apostles need help managing practical needs. They appoint seven men to handle food distribution so the apostles can focus on teaching and prayer. One of these men, Stephen, becomes prominent in performing miracles and debating, which leads to his arrest on false charges.

Context

This chapter continues the early days of the Jerusalem church after Pentecost. The disciples now number in the thousands, and tensions have emerged within the community. Verses 1-6 describe how the apostles solve an internal problem and delegate work. From verse 8 onwards, the focus shifts to Stephen, one of the seven appointed men, whose activity and boldness trigger opposition that will carry into the next chapter.

What the text says

Verses 1-2: A complaint arises among Greek-speaking believers that their widows are overlooked in the daily distribution of food, while the apostles feel they cannot manage both practical service and teaching. Verses 3-4: The apostles propose selecting seven trustworthy men filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom to oversee this work, so the apostles can stay focused on prayer and preaching. Verse 5-6: The community approves and selects seven men including Stephen and Philip, who are presented to the apostles for prayer and laying on of hands. Verses 7-8: The word spreads and the church grows; Stephen performs great wonders and signs. Verses 9-10: Members of several synagogues begin disputing with Stephen but cannot withstand his wisdom and the Spirit speaking through him. Verses 11-14: His opponents hire men to accuse him falsely of blaspheming Moses, God, the temple, and the law. Verse 15: When Stephen is brought before the council, all who look at him see his face shining like an angel's.

Takeaways

The early church solved practical problems by spreading leadership rather than abandoning service for prayer alone.
Stephen's power in debate and miracles made him a target for those who felt threatened by the gospel's spread.
Even facing false accusation, Stephen displayed a supernatural calm, shown in his angelic appearance.

Acts 6 - Simple English