5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:5-7 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, That to remove the forementioned murmuring at the inequality of the poor’s relief, seven deacons were chosen to assist the apostles, and to dispose of that treasure (which had been laid down at the apostles’ feet) with more indifferency to all fit objects of charity without exception.
Here note, 1. The qualification of the persons chosen; Men full of the Holy Ghost: That is, persons that were extraordinarily assisted by the Spirit to perform the duties required of them; for the office of a deacon was besides the taking care of the poor, to preach the gospel, and to baptize, as it appears Phillip did; had it been only to take care of the poor, they needed not to be so inquisitive to find out men full of the Holy Ghost for that service.
Here observe, That the scripture mentions a threefold fullness of the Holy Ghost, according to a threefold capacity of the receivers.
There is plenitudo sufficientia, the fulness of a vessel; this every believer hath; there is plenitudo abundantia, the fulness of a stream; this the apostles had, when extraordinarily inspired, and filled with the Spirit at the first plantation of the gospel; and there is plenitudo superabundantia, the fullness of a fountain; and this Christ had, It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell Colossians 1:19.
Note, 2. The manner how these deacons enter into their office; it is by prayer and imposition of hands, They prayed and laid their hands on them Acts 6:6.
This rite of laying on of hands was used anciently upon a threefold occasion in the Jewish church: namely,
in their sacrifices. Exodus 29:15.
In their blessing, Genesis 48:14.
And in their designation unto a charge or office, Numbers 27:18.
Thus Moses laid his hands on Joshua; and from hence it was derived and brought into the gospel church, when ministers were ordained by the apostles in the primitive times, they laid their hands upon them, 1 Timothy 5:22.
Note, 3. The mighty success of the gospel, notwithstanding all the violent opposition that was made against it; The word of God, that is, the doctrine of the gospel, increased, the number of believers multiplied: yea, some of the priest themselves, though formerly bitter enemies to Christ, now embraced the faith, and were joined to the church; great is truth, especially the spirit of truth, and will prevail. Naked truth is too hard for armed error. Truth has the strength of God in it, and therefore human power can never prevail against divine truth. So mighty grew the word of God and prevailed.