61 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews , because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said , "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables . 3 "Therefore , brethren , select from among you seven men of good reputation , full of the Spirit and of wisdom , whom we may put in charge of this task . 4 "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word ." 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation ; and they chose Stephen , a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit , and Philip , Prochorus , Nicanor , Timon , Parmenas and Nicolas , a proselyte from Antioch . 6 And these they brought before the apostles ; and after praying , they laid their hands on them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 6:1-6
Commentary on Acts 6:1-7
(Read Acts 6:1-7)
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tables must be duly qualified. They must be filled with gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, necessary to rightly managing this trust; men of truth, and hating covetousness. All who are employed in the service of the church, ought to be commended to the Divine grace by the prayers of the church. They blessed them in the name of the Lord. The word and grace of God are greatly magnified, when those are wrought upon by it, who were least likely.