Acts 6 in the King James Version (KJV) introduces the appointment of deacons to address a practical issue in the early church and highlights the continuing growth of the church, as well as the ministry of Stephen. Key lessons from this chapter include: 1. The Importance of Delegating Responsibilities (Acts 6:1-6) – The apostles face a situation where the distribution of food to widows is being neglected. To address this, they appoint seven men to serve as deacons, ensuring that the apostles can focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. The lesson here is that effective ministry requires delegation of responsibilities. Leaders should recognize when tasks are too overwhelming and share the workload to maintain focus on their primary calling. 2. Spiritual Leadership and Qualifications (Acts 6:3-5) – The apostles require that the men chosen as deacons be “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” This emphasizes the importance of spiritual qualifications for leaders in the church. Leaders should be spiritually mature, wise, and filled with the Holy Spirit to effectively serve others and uphold the integrity of the ministry. 3. The Growth of the Church (Acts 6:7) – The appointment of the deacons allows the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, leading to the continued growth of the church. This teaches that when the church operates in an organized and Spirit-filled manner, it can expand and reach more people. Proper structure and focus on the spiritual health of the church promote its growth and effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission. 4. The Ministry of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15) – Stephen, one of the newly appointed deacons, is described as “full of faith and power” and performs signs and wonders. When he faces opposition, he responds with wisdom and boldness, but is ultimately arrested and falsely accused. The lesson here is the importance of standing firm in the truth and being bold in sharing the Gospel, even in the face of persecution. It also highlights that God can use individuals in powerful ways, regardless of their role, when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. In summary, Acts 6 teaches the importance of delegating responsibilities within the church, the need for spiritually qualified leaders, the role of organizational structure in fostering church growth, and the courage to stand for the truth even when facing opposition. It encourages believers to serve in unity and wisdom, allowing God to use them in advancing His mission.