Acts 6
Wisdom, Service, and the Face of an Angel — Our Journey Through Acts 6
A Divided Crowd and a Unified Mission
As we step into Acts 6 together, we find ourselves in a pivotal moment in the early church. There’s a growing tension—not just spiritually, but culturally and linguistically—between two groups of Jews: the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) and the Hebraic (Aramaic-speaking). These differences matter because they begin to create practical problems in the young church, particularly around food distribution to widows.
And yet, in the midst of this friction, we see something remarkable unfold. The apostles don’t ignore the issue. Instead, they address it with both prayer and wisdom, appointing seven men to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the people. This is the beginning of what we now recognize as the ministry of deacons. Today, many of us are part of churches where deacons continue to serve in this way—meeting needs, giving assistance, and carrying the love of Christ in tangible, everyday acts.
We’re reminded here that the church isn’t just a place where the Word is preached—it’s a people who care deeply for one another’s needs.
What Does a Deacon Look Like?
In our own church family, deacons are the first ones many of us reach out to when life gets hard. Whether it’s help with rent, groceries, or an emergency need, the deacons are often quietly on the front lines. And Acts 6 gives us more than a job description—it gives us a heart description: choose people “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
We’re not just looking for capable hands, but for hearts tuned to God. First Timothy 3 helps us fill in the picture—deacons are to be dignified, not double-tongued, not greedy, and faithful in all things. They are to live lives that reflect the character of Jesus.
And what’s even more beautiful? Scripture gives us examples of both men and women serving as deacons. One of them, Phoebe, reminds us that this isn’t just for a few—it's a calling open to all who walk with Christ and are willing to serve in love.
Enter Stephen: Grace, Power, and Holy Friction
Among the seven chosen is Stephen, and Acts 6 shifts its focus toward his life and witness. Scripture says Stephen was “full of God’s grace and power” and that he did “great wonders and signs among the people.” But with his light came opposition. The Sanhedrin, the religious authorities, rise against him—just as opposition often rises when God is on the move.
We’re struck by verse 10: “They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” That’s a prayer we want to keep praying. God, give us that kind of wisdom—not just knowledge, but Spirit-filled discernment to know how and when to speak, and when to simply be still.
There’s a wisdom the world can’t explain. It’s not about IQ or credentials. It’s about walking so closely with Jesus that His words become ours, His timing our timing. As James 1 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously.” And that’s what we aim to do—over and over.
A Glimpse of Glory
The final verses of Acts 6 give us a breathtaking image. As Stephen stands in front of his accusers, filled with truth and led by the Spirit, “they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” What a profound moment. It wasn’t just what Stephen said that struck them—it was what they saw.
There’s something about being deeply connected to God that changes our very countenance. We’ve seen it in worship, in prayer, in people walking through suffering with a peace that doesn’t make sense. You can tell when someone is lit from within by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
And just as we’ve seen it in others, we want to carry that presence ourselves—not just when life is easy, but when life is hard. Like Stephen, we want to be so grounded in Christ that even in the toughest moments, others see the light of God in us.
Living Out Acts 6 Today
As we move forward in this journey through Acts, Acts 6 reminds us of our calling:
To be a unified people even in the face of diversity and division.
To serve one another with love, wisdom, and Spirit-led compassion.
To pray boldly for wisdom that comes not from ourselves but from above.
And to carry the light of Christ in our faces, our decisions, and our lives.
Whether we're serving behind the scenes, leading from the front, or simply trying to follow Jesus in our everyday moments, may we be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Just like Stephen.
And may the Lord cause His face to shine upon us—and may ours reflect His glory.
