Keraia
Acts 6

Acts 6:3

The Choosing of the Seven · Acts 6:1–7
Read Acts 6

Translations

Modern
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
Traditional
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Literal
Therefore, brothers, select from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task.
Latin
Considerate ergo, fratres, viros ex vobis boni testimonii septem, plenos Spiritu Sancto et sapientia, quos constituamus super hoc opus.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Notes

Acts 6:2–6

  • The apostles showed wisdom by calling a meeting of all the Christians to resolve the dispute. They understood that the problem was very serious. They also knew their priority was teaching God's word. They decided to choose men who were wise and filled with the Holy Spirit to manage the food distribution.

    The community agreed with the plan the apostles proposed. They selected capable leaders from the Christians who spoke Greek (all of their names are Greek). These seven men focused on this special task, allowing the apostles to pray and teach.

  • These seven men are sometimes called the first deacons because their role is similar to that of the office of deacon (see 1 Timothy 3:8–13). Although the Greek term translated “deacon” (Greek diakonos, “servant”) is not used here, a related Greek word is translated "to wait on tables" (6:2; Greek diakonein, “to serve”).

Events

Parallels

1 Timothy 3:8–13

Glossary

Beggar Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Deacon, Deaconess Disciple Elder Hellenism Hellenists Libertines Nicolas, Nicolaus Ordain, Ordination Persecution Peter, the Apostle Philip Spirit of God Stephen

Topics

Alms: Giving: The Early Christians Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Church Structure Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Deacon: Selected by the People Elders and Deacons Faithfulness: Exhibited in Situations of Trust Holy Spirit: Inspiration of The Disciples Joining Church Ordination Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Servants (Greek: Diakonoi) in the Jerusalem Congregations Stephen: Appointed One of the Committee of Seven to Oversee the Daily Ministration