Acts 6
Romans 6 can be divided broadly into two parts. The first (verses 1-14) emphasizes that through union with Christ, you must die to the old self and live among new life. The second (verses 15-23) describes a new life as the servant of righteousness and explains the meaning of a life offered to God as one who has been liberated from sin and death.
1verseNow 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.
2verseThe twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
3verseTherefore, 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.
4verseBut we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
5verseThese 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,
6versewhom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7verseThe 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.
8verseStephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
9verseBut 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.
10verseThey weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11verseThen they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12verseThey stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,
13verseand set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
14verseFor we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15verseAll who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
Summary of Key Points
- Verses 1-4: They proclaim that you die to sin and walk in new life with Christ. The meaning of baptism is also explained in connection with this.
- Verses 5-11: Since the old self was crucified with Christ and died, it emphasizes that sin can no longer rule and that you must live toward God.
- Verses 12-14: Do not offer the body as an instrument of sin, but exhorting you to present it as an instrument of God’s righteousness.
- Verses 15-23: Don’t live following sin by misunderstanding freedom; rather, you must live in obedience to righteousness. It also states that the result of sin is death, but God’s gift is eternal life.
Overall Meaning and Message
Romans 6 declares a new identity and way of life that God grants through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that Christians are no longer under the rule of sin, but are people who live a new life in God’s grace. This chapter makes it clear that “grace” is never a license for indulgence, and it invites believers to a life of new life—namely, a responsible and holy life.
Points for Reflection
- Am I still not staying in the habits of the old self or its sinful nature?
- Is the freedom I have received leading not to permission or indulgence, but to a holy life offered to God?
Try Applying It to Yourself
Take a moment today to reflect on how you are practicing in every area of your life: not as the old self, but as new life (servants of righteousness). Whenever any temptation or wrongdoing comes your way, remember that as one who has died with Christ and risen again, your actions and choices can become different.
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