Acts 6:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G3767}, brethren {G80}, look ye out {G1980} among {G1537} you {G5216} seven {G2033} men {G435} of honest report {G3140}, full {G4134} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} and {G2532} wisdom {G4678}, whom {G3739} we may appoint {G2525} over {G1909} this {G5026} business {G5532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Brothers, choose seven men from among yourselves who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint them to be in charge of this important matter,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:3 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's development, as the apostles, facing a practical challenge of equitable food distribution, instruct the community to select seven qualified men. These men, characterized by their integrity, spiritual fullness, and practical wisdom, were to be appointed to manage the daily logistical needs, thereby enabling the apostles to remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This verse establishes foundational principles for leadership, delegation, and the essential qualities required for service within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial transitional period for the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem. [Acts 6:1-2](/acts/6-1-2 "Acts 6:1-2 - The Problem of Distribution") details the internal conflict that necessitated this decision: Hellenistic Jewish widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution, leading to murmuring against the Hebraic believers. The apostles, recognizing the threat this administrative burden posed to their primary calling, propose a solution in [Acts 6:3-4](/acts/6-3-4 "Acts 6:3-4 - The Apostles' Solution and Delegation"). This delegation of practical service allowed them to maintain their focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, as explicitly stated in [Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Apostles' Focus on Prayer and Word"). The subsequent verses ([Acts 6:5-7](/acts/6-5-7 "Acts 6:5-7 - Selection and Growth")) describe the selection of the seven men, including Stephen and Philip, and the positive outcome of this wise decision, leading to further growth of the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was a rapidly expanding community, primarily composed of Jewish believers, but with a significant minority of Hellenistic Jews—those who spoke Greek and often adopted Greek customs, having lived outside Judea. This cultural and linguistic divide, though often subtle, could lead to practical disparities, as seen in the distribution of food. The concept of communal sharing and care for widows was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, stemming from Old Testament commands (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:29](/deuteronomy/14-29 "Deuteronomy 14:29 - Care for the Needy")). The apostles' response reflects a pragmatic and Spirit-led approach to managing the challenges of a growing community while upholding the values of justice and unity, critical for the survival and expansion of the early church in a diverse urban setting.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 6:3 contributes significantly to several key themes found throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Firstly, it highlights the **growth and challenges of the early church**, demonstrating how the community adapted to its increasing size and complexity. Secondly, it underscores the **importance of Spirit-filled leadership and service**, emphasizing that even practical roles require spiritual qualifications. The call for men "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" echoes the broader theme of the Spirit's empowerment for ministry, evident from [Pentecost in Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") onward. Thirdly, the passage illustrates the principle of **strategic delegation and effective administration**, showing how different gifts and callings within the body of Christ are essential for the church's overall health and mission, allowing leaders to focus on their primary responsibilities as seen in [Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Apostles' Devotion to Prayer and Ministry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **look ye out (Greek, _episképtomai'_):** This verb, rendered "look ye out," carries the meaning of "to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve." It suggests a careful, deliberate process of discernment and selection, not a casual choice. The community was to actively seek out and identify individuals who met specific criteria, implying a proactive search for qualified servants.
* **honest report (Greek, _martyréō'_):** This word means "to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively); to have good (honest) report." It indicates that the individuals chosen were to have a publicly acknowledged good reputation and integrity within the community. Their character was not merely assumed but attested to by others, signifying trustworthiness and moral uprightness.
* **appoint (Greek, _kathístēmi'_):** Meaning "to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy," this verb denotes a formal, authoritative act of setting someone in a position of responsibility. It implies an official commissioning or ordination, giving these men legitimate authority over the "business" of distribution, thereby solidifying their role within the church structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you":** This opening phrase signifies a logical conclusion ("wherefore") to the problem presented in the preceding verses. The apostles directly address the "brethren," the collective body of believers, empowering them with the responsibility to identify suitable candidates from within their own ranks. The imperative "look ye out" emphasizes the active and discerning role of the community in this selection process.
* **"seven men of honest report,":** The specific number "seven" indicates a deliberate and sufficient group for the task at hand. The primary qualification mentioned is "of honest report," highlighting the crucial importance of a blameless and respected character. These men needed to be known for their integrity and trustworthiness within the broader community, not just among believers.
* **"full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,":** These are the spiritual and practical qualifications. "Full of the Holy Ghost" denotes a life profoundly influenced and empowered by the Spirit, indicating spiritual maturity, discernment, and a vibrant relationship with God. This is not merely a one-time experience but an ongoing state of being. The addition of "and wisdom" signifies the need for practical discernment, good judgment, and the ability to manage affairs effectively and fairly, recognizing that spiritual fullness should manifest in practical competence.
* **"whom we may appoint over this business.":** This final clause clarifies the purpose of the selection: to formally delegate authority to these chosen men over the "business" (Greek: _chreia_, meaning 'need' or 'service') of daily distribution. The apostles' role is to "appoint" them, signifying an official commissioning that legitimizes their service and frees the apostles to focus on their unique calling of prayer and the ministry of the Word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Direct Address** ("brethren") to engage the community directly in the solution, underscoring their communal responsibility in identifying leaders. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("look ye out") conveys a clear command and expectation from the apostolic leadership. Most notably, the verse utilizes **Qualificative Language** by listing the essential characteristics for those to be chosen: "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." This precise enumeration of qualities serves to define the ideal candidate, emphasizing that both moral character and spiritual empowerment, coupled with practical discernment, are indispensable for effective service within the church. This structure highlights the holistic nature of the desired leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:3 provides a foundational model for the selection and qualifications of church leadership, emphasizing that practical service is not merely administrative but deeply spiritual. The requirement for men "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" elevates the standard for all church roles, indicating that divine empowerment and practical discernment are inseparable for effective ministry. This passage underscores the principle that the church's mission requires both spiritual depth in its leaders and efficient, compassionate administration to ensure unity and address the needs of its members. It sets a precedent for the church to identify, affirm, and empower gifted individuals for specific ministries, allowing those with distinct callings to focus on their primary responsibilities while the body works together harmoniously.

* [Deuteronomy 1:13](/deuteronomy/1-13 "Deuteronomy 1:13 - Selection of Leaders in Israel")
* [1 Timothy 3:8-13](/1_timothy/3-8-13 "1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Qualifications for Deacons")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 6:3 offers profound insights for contemporary church life, reminding us that effective ministry requires a harmonious blend of spiritual power and practical wisdom, coupled with a commitment to delegation. For individuals, it challenges us to cultivate the qualities of "honest report," being "full of the Holy Ghost," and possessing "wisdom," recognizing that these are not just for formal leaders but for all who serve in the body of Christ. Our character and spiritual vitality are paramount, even in seemingly mundane tasks. For church leadership, this passage provides a blueprint for identifying and empowering gifted individuals, ensuring that administrative needs are met with spiritual integrity, thereby freeing those called to the ministry of the Word and prayer to fulfill their unique mandate without distraction. It encourages a culture where every member's gifts are recognized and utilized for the common good, fostering unity and efficient service within the community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate an "honest report" to both believers and unbelievers?**
* **In what ways am I actively seeking to be "full of the Holy Ghost" and to grow in practical "wisdom" for the service God has called me to?**
* **How can my church better identify and empower individuals with these qualifications for various ministries, ensuring that no practical need goes unmet and that leaders can focus on their core spiritual responsibilities?**
* **What "business" or practical needs in my community or church might God be calling me to serve, using the qualities highlighted in this verse?**

### FAQ
**What was the "business" mentioned in Acts 6:3?**

Answer: The "business" (Greek: _chreia_) referred to in Acts 6:3 was the daily distribution of food to the widows within the early Christian community. [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - The Murmuring of the Hellenists") specifies that a complaint had arisen because the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) widows were being neglected in this daily ministration compared to the Hebraic widows. This task, while seemingly administrative, was crucial for the welfare and unity of the burgeoning church. The apostles, realizing that managing this task was diverting them from their primary responsibilities of prayer and the ministry of the Word ([Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Apostles' Priorities")), sought to delegate it to qualified individuals.

**Why did they specifically look for "seven" men?**

Answer: The specific number "seven" is not explicitly explained in the text, but it likely reflects a practical and culturally significant choice. In Jewish tradition, seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection, and it was a common number for groups or councils (e.g., the Sanhedrin had 70 or 71 members, but smaller councils might have seven). Practically, seven men were likely deemed a sufficient number to manage the daily distribution efficiently for the large and growing community in Jerusalem, ensuring that the task could be handled thoroughly and fairly, minimizing the risk of further neglect or complaint.

**Are these "seven men" the first deacons?**

Answer: While the term "deacon" (Greek: _diakonos_, meaning 'servant' or 'minister') is not explicitly used for these seven men in Acts 6, their role and qualifications are widely considered to be the functional precursors to the office of deacon later described in the New Testament, particularly in [1 Timothy 3:8-13](/1_timothy/3-8-13 "1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Qualifications for Deacons"). The tasks they were appointed to—serving tables and managing practical affairs—align well with the service-oriented nature of the diaconate. Furthermore, the qualifications of "honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" parallel the character requirements for deacons outlined by Paul. Therefore, while not formally named "deacons," they represent the earliest example of a distinct, formally recognized group within the church dedicated to practical ministry, freeing the apostles for their specific calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:3, though seemingly focused on church administration, profoundly points to Christ's ongoing work and the nature of His body. The call for men "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" directly reflects the character of Christ Himself, who was uniquely "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and upon whom the Spirit rested without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Limit")). Jesus perfectly embodied wisdom and was empowered by the Spirit for His ministry of service, healing, and teaching. Furthermore, the delegation of tasks in Acts 6 demonstrates Christ's wisdom in building His church; He empowers His followers through the Holy Spirit to continue His work of service and care for the vulnerable, just as He Himself came "not to be served but to serve" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The selection of Spirit-filled individuals ensures that even the practical "business" of the church is carried out with divine discernment and compassion, reflecting the very heart of Christ, who cares deeply for the needs of His people, especially the marginalized, as seen in His teachings on caring for "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Caring for the Least of These")). Thus, this passage illustrates how the church, empowered by the Spirit, extends Christ's ministry of servant leadership into the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 3:7

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Deuteronomy 1:13

Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

1 Timothy 5:10

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Numbers 27:18

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom [is] the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;