ACC ~ Acts 6 v3

THE PEOPLE CHOOSE. CHRYSOSTOM: Now when Matthias was to be presented, it was said, “It must be someone who has been with us the whole time.” But not so here, since this was different. No longer did they put it to the lot, and although they could have made the choice themselves, moved as they were by the Spirit, they wanted the testimony of the people. Determining the number, ordaining the chosen and other such business rested with them, but the choice itself they entrusted to the people, so as not to give the appearance of showing favor. For even God entrusted it to Moses to choose as elders the men he knew. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 14.

LIKE COLUMNS OF THE ALTAR. BEDE: For this reason, the apostles or the successors of the apostles throughout all of the churches now decided upon seven deacons who would be of higher rank than the others and who would stand closer around the altar, like the columns of the altar. Their being seven in number is not without some symbolism. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 6.3.

THE DIGNITY OF SERVICE. ARATOR: [L]est, however, the circumstance [waiting on tables] forsaken [by the apostles] be thought more lowly, the handling of it was entrusted to [seven] distinguished deacons, and that precious [service] possessed a heavenly number. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.

Acts