New Testament
Acts 6:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everyone was pleased with this idea. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas — a convert to Judaism from Antioch.
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And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
What Acts 6:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the early community of believers faced a challenge. They needed to ensure that everyone was cared for, especially the widows. The idea to appoint leaders to help was welcomed by everyone. They chose Stephen, who was known for his deep faith and connection to the Holy Spirit. Alongside him were others like Philip and Nicolas, who had converted to Judaism. This decision showed the importance of teamwork and leadership in addressing community needs. It also highlighted the qualities of faith and spiritual strength that were valued in their leaders. By selecting these individuals, the community demonstrated their commitment to unity and support for one another, ensuring that no one was overlooked. This choice set the stage for further growth and challenges ahead, as these leaders would play significant roles in the unfolding story of the early church. Their selection was not just about meeting immediate needs but also about fostering a spirit of collaboration and faithfulness.
How to apply Acts 6:5 to your life
Consider how you can support those around you in your community. Look for ways to help those in need, just as the early believers did. Being a leader doesn't always mean being in charge; it can also mean serving others with love and faithfulness. Your actions can inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a caring environment for everyone involved in our lives and communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Keep studying Acts 6:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 6:5 mean?
Acts 6:5 describes a moment when the early church decided to appoint leaders to help care for the community, particularly the widows. The verse highlights the selection of Stephen and others, emphasizing their faith and connection to the Holy Spirit.
What is the significance of Stephen in Acts 6:5?
Stephen is significant in Acts 6:5 as he is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His selection as a leader reflects the early church's values of spiritual strength and leadership in addressing community needs.
Who were the leaders chosen in Acts 6:5?
In Acts 6:5, the leaders chosen were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. These individuals were selected to help manage the community's needs and ensure everyone was cared for.
What does the phrase 'full of faith and the Holy Spirit' mean in Acts 6:5?
The phrase 'full of faith and the Holy Spirit' in Acts 6:5 indicates that Stephen possessed a strong belief in God and was guided by the Holy Spirit. This quality made him a suitable leader for the early church.
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