The Appointing of Deacons in Acts 6 (13 min)

Clarification and development of something I mentioned in Rev Intensive last night.  Here are the relevant passages:

Acts 5:11-16  So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.  12  And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.  13  Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.  14  And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,  15  so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.  16  Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Acts 6:1-8  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  2  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  3  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;  4  but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,  6  whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.  7  Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.  8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 8:1  Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.