This page gives you ready-to-use Bible study questions for Acts 6, with a leader’s answer or discussion note for each one. It works for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal reflection. Acts 6 is about a practical problem in the early church, the daily distribution of food to widows, and how the apostles responded by choosing seven men to serve while they kept their focus on prayer and the word.
Acts 6 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a complaint. Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, and the twelve apostles call the whole community together. They explain that they should not neglect preaching the word to run the food program, so they ask the believers to choose seven respected, Spirit-filled men to oversee the task. The congregation chooses Stephen and six others, and the apostles pray and lay hands on them.
The second half turns to Stephen himself. He performs wonders and argues effectively with members of several synagogue groups, who respond by secretly stirring up accusations. He is seized, brought before the council, and falsely accused, and the chapter ends with the council fixing their eyes on him and seeing a face like an angel’s.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the exact words in the text, and resist the urge to explain too quickly. Let people read the verses aloud if the room is quiet.
Acts 6:1
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
(WEB)
This verse introduces the practical problem and shows that the early church faced real, everyday challenges. Reading it aloud sets the scene for why the seven men were needed.
Acts 6:2-4
2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
(WEB)
Here the apostles explain their priorities and their proposed solution. Reading this range together helps the group hear the reasoning behind the decision.
Acts 6:5-6
5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
(WEB)
These verses record the choosing of the seven and their commissioning through prayer. Reading them aloud highlights the community’s role and the apostles’ blessing.
Acts 6:8
Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
(WEB)
A single verse that introduces Stephen’s ministry in power. Reading it helps the group see the source of his effectiveness before the opposition begins.
Acts 6:15
All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
(WEB)
The chapter closes its scene with a striking image of Stephen’s face. Reading this last helps the group carry the image of God’s presence into the discussion.
Memory Verse for Acts 6
Acts 6:4
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
(WEB)
This verse captures the apostles’ commitment to prayer and the word, and it is a helpful reminder for anyone balancing service with spiritual disciplines. Memorizing it can prompt regular reflection on where your own priorities lie.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you for the early church and for the example of believers who cared for one another in practical ways. Give us wise hearts like the seven men were called to have, full of your Spirit and ready to serve those who are overlooked. Help us keep prayer and your word at the center of our lives, so that our service flows from your presence and not from our own strength. Where we feel the pressure of our responsibilities, steady us. Where we face misunderstanding or opposition, give us faces that reflect your peace. Make us faithful in small things and courageous in hard things, for the sake of your kingdom. Amen.
