Acts 6:3

Wherefore. Rather, “but.”

Look ye out. The Twelve placed the responsibility squarely upon the shoulders of the believers, who were to make a choice from among their own number.

Seven men. It was reasonable for the apostles to think of the number seven. There was a general reverence for that number among the Jews. In later times, at least, seven was the number of persons called upon to manage public business in Jewish towns (Talmud Megillah 26a, Soncino ed., p. 157). More simply, it may have been that only seven men were needed at that time.

The men thus appointed are not called “deacons” in the NT. When referred to again, it is as “the seven” (ch. 21:8), almost as though they were a distinct body. But they were the origin of the class called “deacons” (AA 89, 90), and their functions were clearly analogous to those of the deacons later described by Paul (see 1 Tim. 3:8-13). In some churches, as at Rome, the number of deacons was later fixed at seven (Eusebius Ecclesiastical History vi. 43.11). The council of Neo-Caesarea (A.D. 314; Canon 14) calls for seven deacons in a locality. Many commentators think that the seven men here chosen correspond to the “elders” mentioned in Acts 11:30; 14:23 and onward. See p. 25; AA 89, 90.

Of honest report. Literally, “attested,” or “having witness borne them,” that is, well reported among their fellows (cf. 1 Tim. 5:10). The situation would be in no way bettered, unless men of unimpeachable standing were called to the task of a more equitable distribution. They must be men of honesty and efficiency, and acceptable to their fellows. For the inspired list of qualifications of deacons as well as of elders (bishops) see 1 Tim. 3:1-14; Titus 1:5-11.

Full of the Holy Ghost. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “full of spirit.” However, v. 5 declares that one of the seven, Stephen, was full of the Holy Spirit, so the expression here may also be taken as referring to the Holy Spirit. It was most important that for this first expansion in the organization of the church beyond the apostolate, the right men should be chosen. Next to a good reputation, each was expected to have the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Obviously the apostles conceived of the Spirit’s working as being wider than simply the gift of prophecy and of tongues.

Wisdom. Not only must the men be able to look after the spiritual wants of the poor; they were to show prudence, discretion, economy, wisdom in their work. Paul rated wisdom as a gift of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8). James stressed it as a gift of God (James 1:5), to be accompanied by good conduct or “conversation” (James 3:13). In Acts, apart from this verse, the word “wisdom” is used only of (Acts 6:10) or by Stephen (ch. 7:10, 22).

He is also specifically said to be “full of faith” (ch. 6:5).

Whom we may appoint. Literally, “whom we shall set over.” The apostles were willing to appoint the men chosen by the “brethren.” Such an attitude promoted mutual confidence between leaders and people.