Acts 6:4

"Therefore, 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."

Key Reflection

In Acts 6:4, the early Christian community faces a growing concern as Hellenistic Jews complain about the treatment of widows in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, recognizing that their primary role is preaching and prayer rather than administration, delegate this task to seven men—chosen from among the congregation—to ensure fairness and transparency. This act reflects both practical management of the community’s needs and a strategic move to include Hellenistic Jews more fully in leadership roles, thereby fostering unity within the diverse group.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 4. But we will give ourselves continually. The original expression here used denotes intense and persevering application to a thing, or unwearied effort in it. See Barnes "Ac 1:14". It means that the apostles meant to make this their constant and main object, undistracted by the cares of life, and even by attention to the temporal wants of the church. To prayer. Whether this means private or public prayer cannot be certainly determined. The passage, however, would rather incline us to suppose that the latter was meant, as it is immediately connected with preaching.

Related Verses

More from Acts 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion