Actes des Apôtres - Caput 6

Actes des Apôtres 6.1 in diebus autem illis crescente numero discipulorum factus est murmur Graecorum adversus Hebraeos eo quod dispicerentur in ministerio cotidiano viduae eorum Actes des Apôtres 6.2 convocantes autem duodecim multitudinem discipulorum dixerunt non est aequum nos derelinquere verbum Dei et ministrare mensis Actes des Apôtres 6.3 considerate ergo fratres viros ex vobis boni testimonii septem plenos Spiritu et sapientia quos constituamus super hoc opus Actes des Apôtres 6.4 nos vero orationi et ministerio verbi instantes erimus Actes des Apôtres 6.5 et placuit sermo coram omni multitudine et elegerunt Stephanum virum plenum fide et Spiritu Sancto et Philippum et Prochorum et Nicanorem et Timonem et Parmenam et Nicolaum advenam Antiochenum Actes des Apôtres 6.6 hos statuerunt ante conspectum apostolorum et orantes inposuerunt eis manus Actes des Apôtres 6.7 et verbum Dei crescebat et multiplicabatur numerus discipulorum in Hierusalem valde multa etiam turba sacerdotum oboediebat fidei Actes des Apôtres 6.8 Stephanus autem plenus gratia et fortitudine faciebat prodigia et signa magna in populo Actes des Apôtres 6.9 surrexerunt autem quidam de synagoga quae appellatur Libertinorum et Cyrenensium et Alexandrinorum et eorum qui erant a Cilicia et Asia disputantes cum Stephano Actes des Apôtres 6.10 et non poterant resistere sapientiae et Spiritui quo loquebatur Actes des Apôtres 6.11 tunc submiserunt viros qui dicerent se audisse eum dicentem verba blasphemiae in Mosen et Deum Actes des Apôtres 6.12 commoverunt itaque plebem et seniores et scribas et concurrentes rapuerunt eum et adduxerunt in concilium Actes des Apôtres 6.13 et statuerunt testes falsos dicentes homo iste non cessat loqui verba adversus locum sanctum et legem Actes des Apôtres 6.14 audivimus enim eum dicentem quoniam Iesus Nazarenus hic destruet locum istum et mutabit traditiones quas tradidit nobis Moses Actes des Apôtres 6.15 et intuentes eum omnes qui sedebant in concilio viderunt faciem eius tamquam faciem angeli

Actes des Apôtres : Caput 6

The First Deacons and the Organization of the Church

In the book of Acts, chapter 6, we learn about the establishment of the first deacons. This pivotal moment in the early church raises essential questions about how the church faced internal challenges and its growth. This significant text describes the selection of seven Spirit-filled men, including Stephen, to serve tables. It highlights the importance of organization within the church, the priority given to the preaching of the Word, and the power of faithful witness.

Furthermore, Acts 6 establishes a crucial context for Stephen's martyrdom, an event that would mark the history of the church. We invite you to meditate with us on five biblical passages that resonate with the practical themes of this foundational chapter.

Exodus 18:17-18

"What you are doing is not right. You and those with you will be weary, because the task is too heavy; you cannot do it alone." Jethro's advice to Moses reflects the apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities, as shown in Acts 6:1-4. This timeless wisdom reminds us of the importance of sharing tasks in the Church's mission.

Deuteronomy 1:13

"Select wise men, understanding, and experienced from among your tribes, and I will make them your leaders." This instruction from Moses is echoed in the selection of the seven deacons in Acts 6:3. The need for competent and spiritual leaders is essential to wisely guide God's people.

1 Timothy 3:8-10

"The deacons must be worthy, men of their word, not lovers of too much wine or of dishonest gain. They must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." Although this text was written later, it reflects the criteria used to select the seven in Acts 6:3. Dignity and integrity are necessary foundations for those who serve the Church.

Isaiah 6:1-3

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Stephen’s vision of heaven opened, described in Acts 7:55-56, echoes this majestic revelation from Isaiah. It reminds us of God's greatness and the reality of His presence among His people.

Daniel 7:13-14

"To him was given authority and glory and a kingdom; and all peoples, nations, and languages ​​worshipped him." Stephen's vision of Jesus at the right hand of God, recorded in Acts 7:56, powerfully connects to Daniel's. It underscores Christ's sovereignty and the worship due to Him as King of kings.

Meditating on these passages, we better understand the challenges and responses of the early church as it grew. May these reflections nourish our faith and our commitment to the mission of the Church today.