Acts 6:2

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.

Then {G1161} the twelve {G1427} called {G4341} the multitude {G4128} of the disciples {G3101} unto them, and said {G2036}, It is {G2076} not {G3756} reason {G701} that we {G2248} should leave {G2641} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, and serve {G1247} tables {G5132}.

So the Twelve called a general meeting of the talmidim and said, “It isn’t appropriate that we should neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables.

So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.

And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

Acts 6:2 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, illustrating the challenges that arose with rapid growth and the apostles' wisdom in addressing them. The verse describes the twelve apostles gathering the growing number of disciples to communicate a crucial decision regarding the division of labor within the community.

Historical and Cultural Context

The early church in Jerusalem was experiencing explosive growth, as seen in Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4. This rapid expansion brought practical challenges, particularly concerning the daily distribution of food to widows. A complaint had arisen from the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews that their widows were being overlooked in favor of the Hebraic (Aramaic-speaking) Jewish widows (Acts 6:1). This situation threatened to create disunity and distract the apostles from their primary spiritual duties.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prioritization of Ministry: The apostles clearly articulate that their essential calling is the "word of God." This refers to teaching, preaching, and proclaiming the Gospel. They understood that administrative tasks, while necessary, should not supersede their God-given spiritual mandate.
  • Division of Labor: This verse introduces the concept of delegating responsibilities within the church body. Recognizing that no single group could handle every task, the apostles proposed selecting others to manage the practical needs, specifically "serving tables." This led to the selection of the first seven deacons, though they are not explicitly called "deacons" in this chapter.
  • Avoiding Distraction: The phrase "it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables" emphasizes the importance of focus. For the apostles, neglecting the spiritual feeding of the flock for physical administration would be a misallocation of their unique gifts and calling.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "serve tables" comes from the Greek word diakoneō (διακονέω), which is the root of our English word "deacon." While here it literally means to wait on tables or distribute food, it carries the broader sense of service or ministry. The apostles were not demeaning this service; rather, they were emphasizing that their specific diakonia (ministry) was of the Word, while others were called to a diakonia of practical administration.

Related Scriptures

The apostles' commitment to the Word and prayer is further elaborated in Acts 6:4, where they declare their intention to give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. This principle of different gifts for different ministries is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 regarding the diversity of spiritual gifts and Romans 12:6-8 on exercising gifts according to grace.

Practical Application

Acts 6:2 offers timeless wisdom for individuals and church leadership today. It highlights the importance of:

  • Identifying Core Callings: Every believer should seek to understand their unique gifts and primary calling from God, ensuring their main efforts align with it.
  • Effective Delegation: Healthy organizations, including churches, thrive on effective delegation that empowers others to use their gifts in service. This prevents burnout and ensures all necessary tasks are accomplished.
  • Valuing All Service: While the apostles prioritized the Word, the "serving tables" ministry was clearly essential and honorable. All forms of service within the church, whether spiritual or practical, are vital for the body's health and functioning, reflecting the biblical call to serve one another in love.
This strategic decision in Acts 6 not only resolved a conflict but also paved the way for the continued, unhindered spread of the Gospel, as evidenced by the growth mentioned in Acts 6:7.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 18:17

    And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest [is] not good.

  • Exodus 18:26

    And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

  • Deuteronomy 1:9

    ¶ And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:

  • Deuteronomy 1:14

    And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken [is] good [for us] to do.

  • 2 Timothy 2:4

    No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

  • Nehemiah 6:3

    And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

  • Numbers 11:11

    And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?

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