The Acts of the Apostles

170 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
24 : avrjp ayaOog koi TrXrjptjg irvevjuLaros ayiov koi
7r/(rT6ft)9), all the rest are simply named with the sole
exception that the words " Trpoa-rjXvro^ ^AvTio-)(ev9 "
are added to the name of Nicolas (vi. 5). Thus two
traits—that the native of Antioch is the only one of
the " Seven " whose place of origin is mentioned and
that the Hellenists are introduced in controversy with
Hebrews—a kind of preparation for the *'KXXt]V€9 in
xi. 20—make it in itself probable that vi. 1—6 belongs
to xi. 19 ff. But there are yet closer bonds of connection
between the two passages. For we must
necessarily ask why this account of the choice of the
seven deacons, which stands out in such contrast to
the narratives of chaps, i.—v., has been given at all.
Taking account of what follows we at once perceive
that this election forms in one way or another the
starting-point of no less than three lines of narrative
(1) St. Stephen's controversy with the Hellenistic
Jews, and then all that follows up to the preaching
of the Gospel in Antioch by those who had been
scattered by the persecution concerning Stephen
(2) the missionary activity of St. Philip in Samaria,
&c. ; (3) St. Paul's zeal in persecution and his con-
version on the way to Damascus. But it is only the
first line which is really organically connected with
the election of the " Seven " ; for the two others this
election is not an essentially necessary presupposition,
nor are they especially concerned with the distinction
between Hebrews and Hellenists. On the other hand,
the connection is vital and complete throughout the
following series of events :
—
1. A dispute arises between Hebrews and Hellenists;
; :