Acts 6:3

"The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables."

Key Reflection

This passage highlights the early church's prioritization of spiritual over administrative duties. The apostles recognized that their primary calling was to preach and teach (the "word of God"), not to manage daily meals, which they entrusted to others ("serve tables"). This decision allowed them to focus on ministry while ensuring practical needs were met.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. Look ye out. Select, or choose. As this was a matter pertaining to their own pecuniary affairs, it was proper that they should be permitted to choose such men as they could confide in. By this means the apostles would be free from all suspicions. It could not be pretended that they were partial, nor could it ever be charged on them that they wished to embezzle a part of the funds by managing them themselves, or by entrusting them to men of their own selection. It follows from this, also, that the right of selecting deacons resides in the church, and does not pertain to the ministry.

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