Acts 6:5

What does Acts 6:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 6:5 means

The proposal presented by the apostles was met with approval from the entire community of disciples. Subsequently, they selected seven specific men to fill this new role. Among those chosen were Stephen, described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip; Prochorus; Nicanor; Timon; Parmenas; and Nicolaus, who was noted as a proselyte from Antioch. This selection demonstrates the congregation's participation in leadership decisions and highlights the character and spiritual qualifications necessary for service, showcasing the diverse background of those called to minister.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this saying was pleasing to all of them: and they made selection of Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas of Antioch, who had become a Jew:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the thing was pleasing before all the multitude, and they did choose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the saying was liked by all the 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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and [the] Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch,

Context

Following the apostles' directive in verse 3, this verse records the positive reception from the multitude and lists the seven men chosen for this important service. It transitions from the proposal to its practical implementation. This verse is significant as it introduces Stephen, who will become a central figure in the latter part of the chapter, and marks the formal selection of these early church leaders.

v.4But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.

v.5This passage

v.6whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 15:1

    A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.

  • Matthew 23:15

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves.

  • Acts 7:1

    And the high priest said, Are these things so?

  • Proverbs 25:11

    A word fitly spoken Islikeapples of gold in network of silver.

  • Acts 6:10

    And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

  • Revelation 2:15

    So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner.

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