Fathers

Acts 6

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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. 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. 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. But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.” 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; whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council, and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

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What the Fathers say

Acts 6:3

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." And so here they showed the necessity; and they did it not sooner, but waited till the murmuring arose; nor, on the other hand, did they suffer this to spread far. And, lo! they leave the decision to them: those who pleased all, those who of all were honestly reputed, them they present: not now twelve, but "seven, full of the Spirit and of wisdom: well reported of" for their conversation. …

Homily on Acts 14 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"Choose from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." The writer calls them not simply spiritual, but full of the Spirit and wisdom, because receiving the complaints of widows was a matter of the greatest wisdom.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

They remained filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, the appeal of the apostles required those who were to be chosen. For it is not for anyone to bear the curse of orphans and widows, nor of those who consume and devour them. For although he may not have been a thief, yet through sloth and his own negligence losing everything, or rashly perverting whatever he meets, they would bring no benefit to the office, nothing from the toleration of nothings, which is the greatest sign of wisdom.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, etc. Hence the apostles, or the successors of the apostles, have now decreed that throughout all the Churches there should be seven deacons who are of higher rank than the others, and who stand near the altar like columns of the altar, not without some mystery of the number seven.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Bonaventure

Those who are placed in charge of governing others ought to have mercy. "Consider therefore, brethren, from among you men of good testimony, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this work" of distribution. He would not be a wise steward who would steal the goods of God. …

Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 9 ↗

Victorinus of Pettau

Behold the seven horns of the Lamb, the seven eyes of God -the seven eyes are the seven spirits of the Lamb; seven torches burning before the throne of God seven golden candlesticks, seven young sheep, the seven women in Isaiah, the seven churches in Paul, seven deacons, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven seals to the book, seven periods of seven days with which Pentecost is completed, the seven weeks in Daniel, also the forty-three weeks in Daniel; with Noah, seven of all clean things in the ark; seven revenges of Cain, seven years …

On the Creation of the World ↗