Acts 6:2-3
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The apostles don't just say it's inconvenient to serve tables; they say it's "not pleasing" or "not proper." This highlights that their primary calling, to preach the word, is so distinct and vital that diverting their full attention to practical administration would be fundamentally misaligned with God's design for them.
A dispute arose within the early church between Greek-speaking widows and their Aramaic-speaking counterparts regarding the daily distribution of food and resources. In response, the twelve apostles, recognizing the growing needs and potential for division, convened a large meeting of the disciples to address the situation directly. They explained that their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the word, and it wasn't appropriate for them to neglect this crucial task to manage the practical distribution of aid.
When a community grumbles, leaders can either get defensive or look for solutions. The apostles chose the latter, but with incredible wisdom.
Imagine being the Apostles in this moment. A complaint arises – widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This isn't just about food; it touches on fairness and care within the community. Instead of getting upset or making excuses, the twelve apostles summon the entire group of disciples. This is a powerful move! They don't try to solve it alone or dismiss the issue. They bring the whole community together, showing that the church is a shared responsibility.
Their response isn't to say, 'We'll fix this,' but to highlight a principle: 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.' They recognize the validity of the complaint and the need for a solution, but they also powerfully affirm their primary calling. This is about leadership that listens, includes the community, and stays focused on its core mission.
The apostles weren't just preachers; they were entrusted with a divine message. Leaving that for daily tasks would be a tragic loss.
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The phrase 'give up preaching the word of God' is crucial here. The 'word of God' wasn't just good advice; it was the very message of salvation, the revelation of God's plan to reconcile the world to Himself through Christ. For the apostles, this was their non-negotiable calling. Their unique role was to be witnesses to Jesus, to proclaim His resurrection, and to teach the foundational truths of the new covenant.
To 'serve tables' – managing daily distributions of food and resources – was a necessary task for the growing church, but it was a different kind of service. It required practical, administrative skills. The apostles recognized that if they got bogged down in the daily logistics, even necessary ones, the vital work of teaching, equipping, and spreading the gospel would suffer immensely. They were making a tough but clear distinction: some tasks are essential for building the house of God, while others are essential for proclaiming the message of God.
While the apostles protected their preaching role, the need to 'serve tables' wasn't dismissed. It was vital, just delegated differently.
The complaint about widows being overlooked wasn't invalid. The 'serving tables' referred to the practical administration and distribution of food and resources to those in need within the community. This was a crucial ministry, especially in a time when the church was like a family caring for all its members, including the most vulnerable – widows, the poor, and strangers. The Greek word used here, 'diakonein,' is the root of our word 'deacon,' highlighting that this is a service of care and administration.
The apostles' decision wasn't to abolish this ministry but to restructure it. They recognized its importance and wisely proposed appointing others – deacons – specifically for this task. This ensured that the practical needs of the community were met with dedicated attention, freeing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. It shows a beautiful balance: the church’s mission includes both proclaiming the gospel and actively caring for its people.
Understand the original words
logos · Greek Noun
The message revealed by God, encompassing His character, promises, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is authoritative, living, and powerful for salvation and transformation.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers to empower, guide, sanctify, and distribute spiritual gifts for the building up of the church.
sophia · Greek Noun
In Scripture, this is the practical application of divine truth; the God-given ability to perceive reality from His perspective and to act accordingly in life's situations.
c. AD 30
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends on the early believers in Jerusalem, marking the birth of the Church and the beginning of its rapid growth.
c. AD 30-33
Rapid Growth and Initial Ministry
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preach the gospel, and thousands are converted. They lead the community in prayer, teaching, and miracles.
c. AD 33-34
Emergence of Hellenistic vs. Hebrew Groups
As the church grows, a distinction emerges between Greek-speaking (Hellenistic) Jewish believers and Aramaic-speaking (Hebrew) Jewish believers. This leads to potential cultural and social friction.
c. AD 34— this verse
Complaint Regarding Daily Distribution
Hellenistic widows are overlooked in the daily distribution of food and resources, leading to a complaint against the apostles.
c. AD 34
Apostles Delegate Ministry to Deacons
The apostles, recognizing the need to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, propose appointing seven men to oversee the daily distribution, a practice that becomes the model for deacons.
This passage shows Moses delegating judicial responsibilities to others, mirroring the apostles' decision to appoint deacons to handle practical matters so they could focus on spiritual leadership. It highlights the wisdom of distributing tasks to ensure all areas of community life are cared for effectively.
Matthew 4:18-22When Jesus called his first disciples, they immediately left their fishing businesses to follow him, demonstrating a willing sacrifice of their livelihoods for a higher calling. This parallels the apostles' desire to prioritize the 'word of God' over daily administrative tasks.
1 Timothy 3:8-13This passage outlines the qualifications for deacons, the very role created in Acts 6 to 'serve tables.' It shows how this ministry, though different from preaching, is vital for the church's well-being and requires godly character.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Paul argues that those who proclaim the gospel should live from the gospel, establishing the principle that the ministry of the word has a right to be supported. This reinforces the apostles' stance that their primary calling was the preaching of God's word.
ellicottActs 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."
(2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples. —The Apostles meet the crisis with singular tact and moderation. They do not resent the suspicion; they are not careful to vindicate themselves against it. They remembered, it may be, the precedent presented by the life of Moses ( Exodus 18:25 ), and they act, as he had acted, by…
vincentActs 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."
Reason (ἀπεστόν)Lit., pleasing or agreeable.Leave (καταλείψαντας)Rather forsake or abandon: leave in the lurch.Serve tablesSuperintend the distribution of food.
The apostles don't just say it's inconvenient to serve tables; they say it's "not pleasing" or "not proper." This highlights that their primary calling, to preach the word, is so distinct and vital that diverting their full attention to practical administration would be fundamentally misaligned with God's design for them.
A dispute arose within the early church between Greek-speaking widows and their Aramaic-speaking counterparts regarding the daily distribution of food and resources. In response, the twelve apostles, recognizing the growing needs and potential for division, convened a large meeting of the disciples to address the situation directly. They explained that their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the word, and it wasn't appropriate for them to neglect this crucial task to manage the practical distribution of aid.
A dispute arose within the early church between Greek-speaking widows and their Aramaic-speaking counterparts regarding the daily distribution of food and resources. In response, the twelve apostles, recognizing the growing needs and potential for division, convened a large meeting of the disciples to address the situation directly. They explained that their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the word, and it wasn't appropriate for them to neglect this crucial task to manage the practical distribution of aid.
"And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit…" — The apostles don't just say it's inconvenient to serve tables; they say it's "not pleasing" or "not proper." This highlights that their primary calling, to preach the word, is so distinct and vital…
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