Acts 6 2

Acts 6:2 kjv

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Acts 6:2 nkjv

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

Acts 6:2 niv

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

Acts 6:2 esv

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

Acts 6:2 nlt

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.

Acts 6 verses

Acts 6 2 Meaning

Acts 6:2 articulates the apostles' conviction regarding their primary calling and the strategic delegation of responsibilities within the rapidly expanding early Christian community. Facing a burgeoning administrative challenge related to daily food distribution to widows, the twelve apostles convened the entire body of disciples. They declared that it was unfitting or improper for them to divert their focus from their God-given mandate of ministering the word of God and prayer in order to manage daily logistical and financial services, metaphorically referred to as "serving tables." This statement established the spiritual priority of apostolic ministry and set the stage for the selection of dedicated individuals to handle practical needs, thus preserving the unity and mission of the church.

Acts 6 2 Context

Acts chapter 6 opens by describing a specific challenge facing the rapidly growing early Christian church in Jerusalem. As the number of disciples multiplied (Acts 6:1a), a social tension arose: the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish Christians complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food compared to the Hebraic (Aramaic/Hebrew-speaking) Jewish Christians. This issue threatened to disrupt the unity and harmonious fellowship that had characterized the believers thus far. It was a practical and logistical problem, but one with the potential for serious spiritual ramifications, undermining the very essence of Christian community. Acts 6:2 records the apostles' immediate response to this emerging crisis, highlighting their perspective on how such challenges should be addressed in light of their core mission. Their solution was to delegate the administrative burden while they maintained focus on their unique, divinely ordained spiritual roles.

Acts 6 2 Word analysis

• Then (Greek: Tote, τότε): This adverb signifies a sequential, temporal connection. It indicates that the apostles' action in this verse is a direct response to the preceding situation described in Acts 6:1 – the murmuring and complaint of the Hellenist widows' neglect. It points to a pivotal moment of decision-making.
• the twelve (Greek: hoi dōdeka, οἱ δώδεκα): Refers specifically to the apostles chosen by Jesus, representing the highest spiritual authority and leadership structure in the nascent church. Despite the loss of Judas Iscariot and the addition of Matthias in Acts 1:26, this term continues to designate the authoritative apostolic group commissioned by Christ Himself. Their collective voice carried significant weight and guided the church.
• summoned (Greek: proskalesamenoi, προσκαλεσαμένοι): From proskaleomai, meaning "to call to oneself," "to invite," or "to summon." This term implies an authoritative initiative on the part of the apostles to convene a meeting of the broader disciple community. It was not merely an informal gathering but a purposeful assembly called by those in charge to address a significant matter.
• the full number (Greek: to plēthos, τὸ πλῆθος): Means "the multitude," "the assembly," or "the general body." It indicates a large gathering, likely representing the entirety of the male disciples or at least a significant and representative assembly of the community, suggesting collective deliberation and decision-making alongside apostolic guidance. It shows a commitment to involving the community in the solution.
• of the disciples (Greek: tōn mathētōn, τῶν μαθητῶν): Refers to the followers of Jesus Christ. This emphasizes that the church at this stage was a community of learners and followers, indicating the comprehensive involvement of all believers in this important decision.
• and said (Greek: eipan, εἶπαν): A straightforward declaration from the apostles, asserting their position and proposed course of action.
• It is not right (Greek: Ouk areston, οὐκ ἀρεστόν): Literally "not pleasing" or "not agreeable." This phrase does not necessarily mean "morally wrong" but rather "not appropriate," "unsuitable," or "contrary to our established priorities and divine calling." The apostles did not see "serving tables" as inherently wrong but rather as a distraction from their specific, paramount responsibilities.
• that we should give up (Greek: kataleipsantas, καταλείψαντας): From kataleipō, meaning "to abandon," "to forsake," "to neglect," or "to leave behind." This is a strong word emphasizing a significant departure or cessation. The apostles felt it would be detrimental for them to cease or neglect their primary ministry.
• preaching (Greek: tē diakonia, τῇ διακονίᾳ): Here, "preaching" translates the Greek word diakonia, which broadly means "service" or "ministry." In this context, it refers specifically to the "ministry of the word" or "serving the word." This is distinct from "serving tables," though both employ forms of the word diakonia. This usage sets a precedent for understanding the specific and elevated spiritual nature of "word ministry."
• the word of God (Greek: tou logou tou Theou, τοῦ λόγου τοῦ Θεοῦ): Refers to the divine revelation, the message of the Gospel, the teachings of Jesus, and the unfolding will of God. This was the apostles' core mission given by Christ (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Their mandate was to proclaim, teach, and defend this divine truth.
• to serve tables (Greek: traphēzais diakonein, τραπέζαις διακονεῖν): Traphēzais (from trapeza) means "tables," referring to tables for meals, or, more broadly, to banking/money-changing tables, or tables for administrative distribution of food and aid. Diakonein again means "to serve" or "to minister." Here, it signifies practical, administrative, and logistical tasks, likely involving the distribution of food, managing finances, and care for physical needs. This phrase concretely represents the administrative burden at hand.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples": This phrase highlights both the apostolic authority (the twelve initiated) and the democratic-congregational involvement (the full number of disciples were summoned). It showcases an early church governance model that blended hierarchical leadership with broad community participation in decision-making, ensuring both order and consensus.
• "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables": This crucial declaration articulates a foundational principle for ministry: the clear distinction and prioritization of spiritual leadership roles. The apostles were not demeaning practical service; rather, they were asserting that their unique, irreplaceable calling was the propagation and explanation of God's revealed truth, which required their focused, undistracted devotion. "Serving tables" represents the necessary administrative functions, which, while vital, could distract from the primary spiritual oversight if handled by those specifically called to prayer and the Word. This establishes a boundary and a healthy division of labor to ensure the church's holistic flourishing.

Acts 6 2 Bonus section

• Origin of "Deacons": Although the term "deacon" (diakonos) is not explicitly used for the "seven" chosen in Acts 6, the repeated use of diakonia ("ministry"/"service") and diakonein ("to serve") within these verses is widely seen by scholars as laying the theological and practical foundation for the later institutionalized office of the deacon in the New Testament (as seen in Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13). They embodied the principle of "service."
• Maintaining Apostolic Focus: This decision by the apostles safeguarded the integrity and effectiveness of their unique commission from Christ. Without delegation, they risked being overwhelmed by practical demands, thus neglecting their primary duties of teaching, evangelism, and prayer, which were essential for the spiritual edification and doctrinal purity of the nascent church.
• Preventing Schism and Promoting Unity: The prompt and wise resolution of the issue between the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jewish believers prevented a potential schism, preserving the vital unity of the early Christian community, which was diverse from its inception.
• Wisdom in Church Growth: The passage illustrates that spiritual growth often brings administrative challenges, which must be addressed with spiritual wisdom and organizational clarity to avoid internal conflict and ensure continued expansion and health. It shows how the Holy Spirit guides the church not only in miraculous power but also in practical administration.

Acts 6 2 Commentary

Acts 6:2 stands as a pivotal moment in the organization of the early church, illustrating wise leadership and the genesis of specialized ministry roles. Faced with a complaint of injustice in the practical daily administration of food, the apostles, empowered by divine wisdom, did not dismiss the need for practical service. Instead, they articulated a clear theological and pragmatic principle: their calling was distinct and non-negotiable—it centered on prayer and the ministry of God's Word. To allow the demands of administrative service to eclipse this core mission would be "not right," compromising the church's spiritual health and growth. This isn't a devaluation of physical service, but a recognition that spiritual leadership requires focused, undistracted devotion to preaching and prayer, enabling others with different gifts to manage the crucial logistical aspects. This decision led to the selection of the seven men (often considered the first deacons), thus setting a precedent for effective delegation and demonstrating a divinely guided organizational structure necessary for the rapid expansion and overall well-being of the Christian community. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's primary calling and delegating other tasks to gifted individuals for the common good and efficient operation of the body of Christ.For practical usage: This verse reminds churches to identify and empower individuals according to their spiritual gifts, preventing burnout for spiritual leaders and ensuring all essential ministries, both spiritual and practical, are effectively carried out.