Acts 6:4

KJV

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} we {G2249} will give ourselves continually {G4342} to prayer {G4335}, and {G2532} to the ministry {G1248} of the word {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but we ourselves will give our full attention to praying and to serving the Word.”

Berean Standard Bible

and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

American Standard Version

But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:4 articulates the apostles' resolute commitment to their primary spiritual responsibilities amidst the burgeoning administrative demands of the early church. Confronted with a practical challenge concerning the daily distribution of food to widows, they wisely delegated this vital service to a newly appointed group of deacons, thereby freeing themselves to devote their full attention to the foundational pillars of their apostolic calling: persistent prayer and the diligent proclamation and teaching of God's Word. This verse establishes a crucial principle for spiritual leadership, emphasizing the prioritization of spiritual nourishment and guidance for the flourishing of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 6:4 is the culmination of a pivotal moment in the early church's development, described in [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - The Appointment of the Seven"). Prior to this verse, a significant internal conflict arose due to the neglect of Hellenistic Jewish widows in the daily food distribution ([Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - The Complaint of the Hellenists")). The apostles, recognizing that addressing this administrative issue would divert them from their core mission, gathered the disciples and proposed a solution: the selection of seven men "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" to oversee this practical service ([Acts 6:2-3](/acts/6-2-3 "Acts 6:2-3 - The Apostles' Solution")). Verse 4 then presents the apostles' explicit declaration of their redefined focus, which is immediately followed by the church's affirmation of this plan and the subsequent appointment of the seven, including Stephen and Philip ([Acts 6:5-6](/acts/6-5-6 "Acts 6:5-6 - The Selection and Ordination of the Seven")). The successful implementation of this division of labor leads to the continued growth and expansion of the Word of God ([Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - The Growth of the Church")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was experiencing rapid growth following Pentecost, attracting thousands of new believers ([Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Three Thousand Added"), [Acts 4:4](/acts/4-4 "Acts 4:4 - Five Thousand Men")). This exponential expansion, while miraculous, brought with it significant logistical challenges. The community practiced a form of communal living and resource sharing, including daily distributions to those in need, particularly widows ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - Early Christian Community")). The specific issue in Acts 6 arose from a cultural and linguistic divide between the "Hellenists" (Greek-speaking Jews who had adopted Greek culture) and the "Hebraics" (Aramaic-speaking Jews who maintained more traditional Jewish customs). This distinction, often leading to social friction, manifested in the perceived neglect of the Hellenistic widows. The apostles, as the nascent church's primary leaders, were responsible for both spiritual oversight and practical administration, but the scale of the problem threatened to overwhelm their capacity, necessitating a structural innovation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it underscores the **prioritization of spiritual leadership** in the church, demonstrating that while practical needs are important, the primary calling of those entrusted with the Word is to prayer and teaching. This sets a precedent for the distinct, yet complementary, roles within the body of Christ, a theme later developed by Paul in his epistles (e.g., [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service") and [1 Corinthians 12:4-31](/1_corinthians/12-4-31 "1 Corinthians 12:4-31 - The Body of Christ")). Secondly, it highlights the **centrality of prayer** as the lifeblood of ministry and spiritual vitality, emphasizing its continuous and foundational nature. Thirdly, the phrase "ministry of the word" establishes the **supremacy of God's revelation** as the primary means by which the church is built, nurtured, and guided, reflecting the ongoing emphasis in Acts on the power and spread of the gospel message ([Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - Boldness in Proclaiming the Word"), [Acts 19:20](/acts/19-20 "Acts 19:20 - The Word of God Grew Mightily")). Finally, the narrative surrounding this verse illustrates the principle of **effective delegation and division of labor** according to spiritual gifts and callings, ensuring that all aspects of church life are ministered to effectively without overburdening any single group of leaders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **continually (Greek, _proskarteréō'_):** This verb, G4342, means "to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor)." It conveys a strong sense of unwavering commitment, persistent devotion, and diligent attendance. The apostles were not merely to pray occasionally, but to be steadfastly devoted to it, making it a continuous and primary focus of their lives and ministry.
* **prayer (Greek, _proseuchḗ'_):** Derived from G4335, this noun refers to "prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)." It encompasses the act of communicating with God, including supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, and adoration. For the apostles, this was not a perfunctory duty but a vital, ongoing engagement with the divine source of wisdom, power, and guidance for their monumental task of leading the nascent church.
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** From G1248, this word signifies "attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate)." While the newly appointed seven were engaged in a "diakonia" of tables (service related to food distribution), the apostles' "diakonia" was specifically "of the word," highlighting their primary service as proclaiming, teaching, and expounding God's message. It underscores their role as servants of the divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer":** This clause highlights the apostles' firm resolve and re-commitment to their spiritual calling. The adversative "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a clear distinction from the administrative tasks they are delegating. The phrase "give ourselves continually" (G4342, _proskarteréō_) emphasizes an unwavering, persistent, and diligent devotion to the practice of prayer. This indicates that prayer is not merely an activity among many, but a foundational, ongoing, and primary commitment for spiritual leaders, essential for divine wisdom, guidance, and power in ministry.
* **"and to the ministry of the word":** This second clause specifies the other core pillar of the apostles' mission. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links prayer directly with the "ministry of the word" (G1248, _diakonía_ of G3056, _lógos_), indicating that these two responsibilities are inextricably linked and equally paramount. "The ministry of the word" refers to the authoritative proclamation, teaching, and exposition of God's revealed truth – the gospel message, the teachings of Christ, and the Old Testament Scriptures. This was their primary means of evangelism, discipleship, and building up the church, ensuring its spiritual health and doctrinal purity.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 6:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the administrative task of serving tables (mentioned in the preceding verses) and the spiritual tasks of prayer and the ministry of the word. This contrast highlights the apostles' prioritization and the distinct nature of their calling. The phrase "give ourselves continually" uses **Emphasis** through the strong verb _proskarteréō_, underscoring the unwavering and persistent nature of their commitment to prayer. Furthermore, the pairing of "prayer" and "the ministry of the word" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but complementary elements are used to represent the entirety of the spiritual duties of an apostle, encompassing both communion with God and communication of God's truth to humanity. The verse is also an example of **Apostolic Authority**, as the apostles, as the foundational leaders, authoritatively declare their divinely appointed focus for the benefit and order of the entire church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:4 provides a foundational theological principle for the nature of spiritual leadership and the priorities of the church. It underscores that while practical service is vital and necessary for the holistic well-being of the community, the primary and non-negotiable calling of those entrusted with overseeing the spiritual health of God's people is to commune with God through prayer and to faithfully steward and proclaim His Word. This division of labor, far from diminishing the importance of practical service, elevates both spiritual and practical ministries by ensuring that each is given due diligence by those best equipped for it. The verse implicitly teaches that the church's spiritual vitality and growth are directly linked to the consistent and diligent engagement of its leaders with prayer and the Word, as these are the means by which divine power and truth are channeled into the community.

* [Colossians 4:2](/colossians/4-2 "Colossians 4:2 - Devotion to Prayer")
* [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Equipping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 6:4 offers timeless wisdom for both individual believers and the collective church body. For those in spiritual leadership, it serves as a potent reminder to constantly evaluate and re-prioritize their time and energy, ensuring that the essential disciplines of prayer and the diligent study and proclamation of God's Word remain at the absolute forefront of their calling. It challenges leaders to guard against becoming consumed by administrative tasks, however necessary, to the neglect of their primary spiritual duties, which are the true wellspring of spiritual nourishment for the flock. For all believers, this verse encourages a deep appreciation for the centrality of prayer in personal life and the importance of being continually immersed in the "ministry of the word," whether through personal study, participation in sound teaching, or sharing the Gospel with others. It also highlights the beauty and necessity of diverse gifts within the body of Christ, affirming that when each member serves according to their unique calling, the entire church functions more effectively, glorifying God and ministering holistically to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my personal priorities, both in my daily life and in any leadership roles I hold?**
* **In what ways can I more consistently "give myself continually to prayer" and "to the ministry of the word" in my own walk with God?**
* **How can our church better recognize and empower individuals for both spiritual and practical ministries, ensuring that neither is neglected?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that administrative or logistical demands do not overshadow the spiritual core of my service or calling?**

### FAQ

**Does Acts 6:4 imply that spiritual leaders should not be involved in practical matters at all?**

Answer: No, Acts 6:4 does not imply that spiritual leaders should be entirely disengaged from practical matters. Rather, it emphasizes a wise prioritization and delegation of responsibilities. The apostles recognized that while the daily distribution of food was a vital practical need, it was consuming an inordinate amount of their time, distracting them from their unique and indispensable spiritual calling to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Their decision was not to abandon practical service, but to ensure that it was handled effectively by others specifically gifted and appointed for that task, allowing the apostles to focus on what only they, as the initial authoritative teachers and witnesses of Christ, could do to build the church's spiritual foundation. This principle ensures that all necessary tasks are accomplished within the body of Christ, with each member contributing according to their gifts, as articulated in passages like [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:4, while addressing an administrative challenge in the early church, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person and ministry of Jesus Himself. Jesus consistently exemplified the perfect balance of prayer and the ministry of the Word. He frequently withdrew to pray, often for extended periods, demonstrating the absolute necessity of communion with the Father for divine power and guidance in His earthly ministry ([Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray"), [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in the Morning")). Simultaneously, His entire public ministry was characterized by the authoritative proclamation and teaching of God's Word, as He declared the Kingdom of God and expounded the Scriptures ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaches and Heals"), [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")). The apostles' commitment in Acts 6:4 is a direct reflection of the pattern set by their Lord. Furthermore, Jesus is the "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate revelation of God, making the "ministry of the word" fundamentally a ministry of Christ. The apostles were not just teaching abstract doctrines, but proclaiming the resurrected Christ and His saving work, fulfilling the Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, their devotion to prayer and the Word was ultimately a devotion to Christ and His ongoing mission through His church.

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

Acts 1:14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Acts 2:42

¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.