Acts 6:6

Laying hands on someone symbolized the bestowal of a blessing (Genesis 48:13; et al.). It also represented identification with the person (Leviticus 1:4; Leviticus 3:2; et al.), commissioning as a kind of successor (Numbers 27:23), and granting authority (Acts 8:17-19; Acts 9:17; Acts 13:3; Acts 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:22; Hebrews 6:2). Here commissioning for a task is in view (cf. Acts 13:1-3) rather than formal ordination, which came later in church history. [Note: Witherington, p. 251.] Prayer accompanied this ceremony on this occasion, as was customary.

Many Bible students regard these seven men as the first deacons of the church. However, the text never uses the term "deacon" to describe them (cf. Acts 21:8). The Greek word diakonos (deacon) does not occur in Acts at all, though related forms of the word do even in this pericope. Diakonia ("serving" or "distribution" and "ministry") appears in Acts 6:1; Acts 6:4, and diakonein ("serve" or "wait on") occurs in Acts 6:2. I think it is more likely that these seven men represent a stage in the development of what later became the office of deacon. They probably served as a model for this office. Office typically follows function. The historical origin of deacons lies in Jewish social life. The historical origin of the elder office, incidentally, lies in Jewish civil and religious life, most recently in synagogue organization. As the Jerusalem church grew and as its needs and activities proliferated, it adopted some of the organizational features of Jewish culture that these Jewish believers knew well. [Note: See Phillip W. Sell, "The Seven in Acts 6 as a Ministry Team," Bibliotheca Sacra 167:665 (January-March 2010):58-67.]

"The early church had problems but, according to Acts, it also had leaders who moved swiftly to ward off corruption and find solutions to internal conflicts, supported by people who listened to each other with open minds and responded with good will." [Note: Tannehill, 2:81.]