Acts 6:6

KJV

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whom {G3739} they set {G2476} before {G1799} the apostles {G652}: and {G2532} when they had prayed {G4336}, they laid {G2007} their hands {G5495} on {G2007} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They presented these men to the emissaries, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Berean Standard Bible

They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

American Standard Version

whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:6 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's development, detailing the formal commissioning of the seven men chosen to manage the daily distribution of food to widows, thereby freeing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. This verse encapsulates the church's strategic response to internal challenges, highlighting the importance of prayer, the delegation of responsibilities, and the spiritual authority conveyed through the symbolic act of laying on of hands, establishing a foundational pattern for church leadership and service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 6:6 is the culmination of a narrative arc beginning in [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - The Complaint of the Hellenists"), where a significant problem arises within the rapidly expanding Jerusalem church: Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution compared to the Hebraic widows. This threatened the unity and well-being of the nascent community. The apostles, recognizing the need to address this practical issue without diverting from their primary calling, proposed a solution in [Acts 6:2-4](/acts/6-2-4 "Acts 6:2-4 - The Apostles' Solution"). They instructed the congregation to select seven men "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" ([Acts 6:3](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3 - Qualifications for Service")) to oversee this ministry of service. The community embraced this proposal and, as recorded in [Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - The Selection of the Seven"), chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. Verse 6 then describes the formal induction of these chosen men, underscoring the spiritual and authoritative nature of their appointment, which subsequently led to the continued growth and spread of the Word of God, as noted in [Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - Growth of the Word").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was experiencing explosive growth, bringing with it logistical challenges. The demographic tension between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews was a significant factor; Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews who had adopted aspects of Greek culture, often having lived outside Judea, while Hebraics were Aramaic-speaking Jews rooted in Palestinian culture. This cultural divide, exacerbated by practical needs like food distribution, necessitated a structured response to maintain unity and order. The practice of "laying on of hands" was a well-established custom in Jewish tradition, signifying blessing, commissioning, imparting authority, or designating someone for a specific task (e.g., in the ordination of priests or the transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua in [Numbers 27:18-23](/numbers/27-18-23 "Numbers 27:18-23 - Joshua's Commissioning")). In the context of the early church, this act carried profound spiritual weight, publicly affirming divine approval and empowering individuals for ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Church Growth and Adaptation**, demonstrating how the early church, under apostolic guidance, wisely adapted its structure to meet the demands of rapid expansion and diverse needs, ensuring that both spiritual and practical ministries were effectively managed. Secondly, it underscores the **Primacy of the Word and Prayer** for spiritual leaders, as the apostles prioritized their core responsibilities, delegating administrative tasks to others. Thirdly, it illustrates the theme of **Delegation and Distributed Leadership**, showing the importance of identifying and empowering qualified individuals for specific ministries, thereby fostering broader participation in the church's mission. Finally, the act of commissioning through prayer and the laying on of hands emphasizes **Divine Empowerment and Authority for Service**, signifying that ministry is not merely a human endeavor but a God-ordained and Spirit-enabled calling, as seen in the qualifications for the chosen men in [Acts 6:3](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3 - Qualifications for Service").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb, found in G2476, means "to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)." In Acts 6:6, it denotes the action of presenting or bringing these chosen men before the apostles. It implies a formal, deliberate act of placement, signifying their public introduction and readiness for commissioning into service. This is not a casual presentation but a purposeful setting apart.
* **prayed (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** Derived from G4336, this word means "to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship." The apostles' act of praying before laying on hands emphasizes the spiritual nature of the commissioning. It signifies dependence on God for guidance, anointing, and blessing upon the men chosen for service. This prayer was a vital prerequisite, acknowledging that true authority and effectiveness in ministry derive from divine empowerment rather than mere human appointment.
* **laid hands (Greek, _epitíthēmi cheír'_):** This phrase combines G2007 (_epitíthēmi_), meaning "to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense); to lay upon," and G5495 (_cheír_), meaning "the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or instrument)." In this context, the act of laying hands signifies a formal act of commissioning, blessing, and imparting authority for service. It is a visible sign of spiritual endorsement, a public affirmation of the men's selection by the community and their appointment by the apostolic leadership, invoking divine anointing upon their new responsibilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whom they set before the apostles":** This clause describes the immediate action following the community's selection of the seven men. "They" refers to the multitude of disciples who had chosen these individuals. The act of "setting before" (G2476 _hístēmi_) implies a formal presentation, a public and deliberate act of bringing the chosen candidates into the presence of the spiritual authorities for their official induction. This highlights the collaborative nature of leadership selection in the early church, involving both congregational choice and apostolic oversight.
* **"and when they had prayed,"** This phrase reveals a crucial step taken by the apostles prior to the physical act of commissioning. The "they" here refers to the apostles. Their act of prayer (G4336 _proseúchomai_) underscores the spiritual gravity of the moment and their dependence on divine wisdom and anointing. It signifies that the appointment of leaders and the delegation of ministry responsibilities are not merely administrative decisions but spiritual acts requiring God's guidance and blessing. Prayer serves as the spiritual foundation for all legitimate authority and effective service in the church.
* **"they laid [their] hands on them."** This final clause describes the formal act of commissioning. The "they" again refers to the apostles. The "laying on of hands" (G2007 _epitíthēmi_ and G5495 _cheír_) is a symbolic gesture with deep biblical roots, signifying blessing, identification, commissioning, and the imparting of authority or spiritual endowment for a specific task. In this context, it publicly affirmed the seven men's divine calling and equipped them with the necessary spiritual authority and anointing to fulfill their delegated ministry of service, marking their transition from chosen individuals to officially recognized church leaders.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in Acts 6:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is prominently featured through the act of "laying on of hands." This gesture is not merely a physical action but a rich symbol of commissioning, blessing, and the imparting of spiritual authority. It visually represents the transfer of responsibility and divine endorsement from the apostles to the newly appointed servants. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Conciseness** to powerfully summarize a significant transition in the church's structure. Despite its brevity, the verse conveys the essential elements of a formal induction: presentation, prayer, and commissioning. This succinctness emphasizes the efficiency and divine order at play. Finally, the passage contributes to the broader **Narrative Progression** of Acts, serving as a pivotal moment that resolves an internal conflict and enables the continued expansion of the gospel, leading directly into the subsequent verses that describe the flourishing of the Word and the increase in disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:6 profoundly illustrates the early church's understanding of spiritual authority, delegated ministry, and the essential role of prayer in leadership. The apostles, recognizing their primary calling to prayer and the ministry of the Word, wisely empowered others to handle practical administration. This act of commissioning, marked by prayer and the laying on of hands, signifies a divine endorsement and the impartation of spiritual authority for service, not merely a human organizational decision. It underscores the theological principle that all ministry flows from God's calling and is sustained by His power, mediated through the community and its appointed leaders. This passage establishes a pattern for orderly church governance, emphasizing that practical service is as vital as spiritual teaching, and both require Spirit-filled individuals operating under divine anointing.

* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua's Commissioning by Moses")
* [1 Timothy 4:14](/1_timothy/4-14 "1 Timothy 4:14 - Laying on of Hands by the Presbytery")
* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Every Town")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 6:6 provides timeless principles for the health and growth of the church today. It reminds us that effective ministry requires both spiritual focus and practical administration, and that neither should be neglected. For individuals, this passage calls us to consider our own gifts and how we might be "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" to serve the body of Christ, whether in teaching, administration, or compassionate service. For church leaders, it emphasizes the vital role of prayer in all decisions, especially in identifying and commissioning those called to ministry. It also highlights the wisdom of delegation, empowering others to use their gifts, thereby freeing primary spiritual leaders to focus on their core calling of prayer and the Word. Ultimately, a church that embraces these principles will experience greater unity, effectiveness, and the powerful increase of God's Word, just as the early church did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the balance between spiritual and practical ministry in Acts 6:6 challenge or affirm the priorities in my own life or in my church?**
* **In what ways can I, or my community, better identify and affirm individuals who are "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" for service?**
* **What role does prayer play in the significant decisions and appointments within my church or personal life, and how might I deepen that reliance on God?**
* **How does the concept of delegated authority and shared leadership, as seen in this passage, apply to various spheres of influence beyond the church?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "laying on of hands" in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 6:6, the "laying on of hands" is a highly significant act of **commissioning and ordination**. It is not primarily for healing or imparting the Holy Spirit (though the Spirit's presence is assumed in the chosen men, as seen in [Acts 6:3](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3 - Qualifications for Service")). Instead, it symbolizes the apostles' official endorsement, the public recognition of the seven men's divine calling, and the imparting of spiritual authority and blessing for their specific ministry of service. This act formally sets them apart for their task, signifying divine approval and the church's corporate affirmation. It connects to Old Testament practices of designating individuals for service (e.g., [Numbers 27:18-23](/numbers/27-18-23 "Numbers 27:18-23 - Joshua's Commissioning")) and is later seen in the New Testament for commissioning missionaries ([Acts 13:3](/acts/13-3 "Acts 13:3 - Paul and Barnabas Sent Out")) and ordaining elders ([1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Do Not Be Hasty in Laying on of Hands")).

**Are these "deacons" in the modern sense, and what was their primary role?**

Answer: While the term "deacon" (Greek: _diakonos_, meaning "servant") is not explicitly used for these seven men in Acts 6, their function aligns closely with the later understanding of deacons as those who serve the practical needs of the church, freeing others for spiritual leadership. Their primary role was to oversee the daily distribution of food to widows, resolving a critical administrative and social issue that threatened the church's unity. They were chosen for their spiritual qualifications ("full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom," [Acts 6:3](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3 - Qualifications for Service")), indicating that even practical service in the church requires spiritual discernment and character. This passage is often seen as the foundational account for the office of deacon in Christian tradition, demonstrating that service-oriented ministry is a vital and spiritually significant component of church life.

**How does this passage inform church leadership and structure today?**

Answer: Acts 6:6 provides several enduring principles for contemporary church leadership and structure. Firstly, it highlights the importance of **delegation** and **distributed leadership**, showing that as the church grows, responsibilities must be shared to ensure all ministries are effectively managed. Secondly, it underscores the **priority of spiritual leaders** (pastors, elders) to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word ([Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Apostles' Priority")), while others are empowered for practical service. Thirdly, it emphasizes the need for **Spirit-filled and wise individuals** in all areas of ministry, whether teaching or administration ([Acts 6:3](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3 - Qualifications for Service")). Finally, it illustrates the value of **orderly processes** for selecting and commissioning leaders, involving both congregational affirmation and the spiritual authority of existing leadership, thereby fostering unity and enabling the church to effectively fulfill its mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:6, though describing an administrative solution in the early church, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The entire concept of service and delegated ministry flows from Christ, the ultimate servant leader. Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Servanthood")). His life was a model of self-giving service, exemplified by His washing of the disciples' feet ([John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")) and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The apostles, in commissioning the seven, were emulating Christ's own pattern of equipping and sending out His disciples, as seen in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The Spirit-filled wisdom and anointing sought for these men in Acts 6:6 are a direct outflow of Christ's promise to send the Helper ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the church's ability to organize, serve, and grow is a testament to Christ's ongoing headship and His provision of spiritual gifts and leaders "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")). The orderly and Spirit-led delegation in Acts 6:6 is a continuation of Christ's mission through His body, the Church, ensuring that His saving work continues to be proclaimed and His people are cared for.

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

Numbers 8:10

And thou shalt bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites:

2 Timothy 1:6

¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Acts 1:24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Acts 8:17

Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:17

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 13:3

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.