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 6:8

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Whence, I pray you, did that grace bloom upon the countenance of Stephen? The writer gives him this report above, that he was "full of faith." For it is possible to have a grace that does not consist in works of healing: "For to one is given the grace of the Spirit in such and such wise." But here, it seems to me, it says that he was also gracious to look at. …

Homily on Acts 15 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Look how out of seven one was preferred over the rest: although the ordination was common to all, yet this one acquired greater grace. Turn your gaze also to the fact that before this time he did not work miracles, but began to work miracles when he became known as chosen and ordained, to show that grace alone is not sufficient, but ordination is also necessary. …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

With the common ordination of the seven having taken place, Stephen obtained the greater grace of choice for the one more suitable for selection. For he who before ordination did not perform marvels, when it was not evident what he was, and when by ordination he became known, then the charism bestowed at the ordination was also displayed, so that it might be made clear either that grace alone is not sufficient, but that a supplementation of grace by ordination is required, according to the difference in those who receive it from …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. In Greek it is added: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I wrote in the previous book that Stephen is interpreted as "crowned," and it is not far from the truth what I wrote. …

Retractions on Acts ↗