Bible Commentaries

Grecians; in the original Hellenists, that is, Jews, whether by descent or conversion to the Jewish religion, who used the Greek language.

Daily ministration; daily distribution to the poor.

The twelve; the twelve apostles, Matthias having been elected after the death of Judas.

Not reason; not reasonable or proper. It is not proper that ministers of the gospel should be drawn off from their appropriate work to attend to secular concerns. The more exclusively they are devoted to the preaching of the gospel and the discharge of religious duties, the more they will promote their own best interests, and those of their fellowmen. 1 Timothy 4:15.

Honest report; men of integrity and good reputation.

Prayer-ministry of the word; the appropriate duties of their office.

Multitude; the multitude of believers who were collected on the occasion.

Proselyte of Antioch; a Gentile of that city, who had embraced the Jewish, and afterwards the Christian religion.

Laid their hands on them; in token of seeking for them the divine blessing, and consecrating them to their work.

The word of God increased; was preached, and embraced by greater numbers. When ministers of the gospel are wholly and earnestly devoted to their appropriate duties, and are assisted by brethren in the church who are pious, wise, able, and active in doing good, religion will generally prosper; and not only many of the common people, but of the educated, intelligent, and influential, may be expected to embrace it.

Libertines; libertines were properly persons, or the children of persons who had been enslaved, and were afterwards made free. In the present case Jewish libertines are meant, of whom there were great numbers, the descendants of those who had been carried as captives to Rome, and afterwards set free. The various classes of persons mentioned had each in Jerusalem a synagogue or place of worship. Matthew 6:5.

Disputing with Stephen; about the truth of what he declared.

Not able; he, being assisted by the Holy Ghost, was superior to them, and they were not able to answer his arguments. Matthew 10:19-20; Luke 21:15. No array of numbers, learning, or talents, can fairly meet or refute the arguments which prove the Christian religion to be from God. Its truth is demonstrated by evidence which, if it be rightly apprehended, and the heart is sincere, will carry universal conviction. No one can reject it without showing that he is either ignorant or wicked.

Suborned men; got them to testify falsely.

Men who reject the Christian religion, and have power, are apt to oppose those who embrace it, especially if they are zealous and successful in its propagation. They sometimes contend that the interests of the state require this; and ecclesiastics, clothed with secular authority, and destitute of the spirit of Christ, and often among the most fierce and malignant of persecutors.

The customs; the Jewish ceremonies.

The face of an angel; benignant, calm, dignified, and resplendent.