Acts 6:5

Pleased. There had obviously been no intent to deprive or neglect anyone, and there is now general rejoicing that the problem is recognized and an acceptable remedy suggested.

They chose. See on v. 3. The names of the chosen seven were Hellenistic, and it is possible that the bearers of the names were Hellenists (see on v. 1). However, many Jews bore Greek names, even among the apostles, such as Andrew and Philip (see on Mark 3:18). Furthermore, there is no evidence that the seven limited their ministry to the Hellenistic believers. As to their later work, we hear again only of Stephen and Philip.

Stephen. Gr. Stephanos, “chaplet,” “coronet,” “wreath of victory.” This name was not uncommon, and appears on ancient inscriptions.

Tradition has it that Stephen and Philip were both of the Seventy, sent into every city and village to announce that the Messiah had come (Luke 10:1-11). It is possible that Samaria was the scene of their ministry (see on Luke 10:1). Hellenistic Jews were probably better received in Samaria than were Palestinian Jews, and this might account for the sending of Philip as an evangelist to the Samaritans (Acts 8:5).

Philip. Gr. Philippos, “lover of horses” (see on Mark 3:18). The name was also that of one of the Twelve and of two of Herod the Great’s sons. It was frequent in the ailing house of Macedonia in previous centuries. Nothing is known of Philip’s previous history, there being only the tradition that he had belonged to the Seventy (see above, under “Stephen”). Paul visited him in Caesarea (Acts 21:8), and he was probably long a leader of the church there. That Philip had four grown daughters at the time of Paul’s visit suggests that he was already married at the time of his appointment.

Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas. Of these four nothing is known, nor is there anything upon which to build a conjecture.

Nicolas. Gr. Nikolaos, “master of the people.”

Proselyte. Doubtless Nicolas was a “proselyte of righteousness,” one who had completely accepted Judaism. As such he would be well grounded in the Jewish religion. See Vol. V, p. 62. Regarding the tradition that this Nicolas was a founder of the sect of the Nicolaitans see Vol. VI, p. 58; see on Rev. 2:15.

Antioch. This Syrian city, with its many Jews, had close ties with Palestine. Herod the Great had built a splendid colonnade along the whole length of its main street. Special interest attaches to the fact that Nicolas came from Antioch, since it is the place where Christians received their name (ch. 11:26). The city later became the headquarters for the early missionary work of the church (see on ch. 11:19).