Acts 6:3
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The apostles instruct the community to "look out" for these leaders, emphasizing that the church itself is meant to discern and bear witness to the character of those who serve. This highlights that even in a divinely appointed structure, the people are partners in identifying and validating spiritual gifting.
A growing dispute arose between Greek-speaking Jewish believers and their Aramaic-speaking counterparts concerning the daily distribution of food to widows, prompting the apostles to delegate this administrative task. To resolve the issue and allow the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching, the congregation is asked to select seven qualified men from within their ranks. These chosen men will then be officially appointed by the apostles to oversee this crucial ministry of care.
When the early church faced a growing need, the apostles didn't just ask for helpers, they laid out specific qualifications. What kind of people were they looking for?
The apostles instructed the believers to select seven men who were:
1. Of Honest Report (Attested)
This means they had a solid, trustworthy reputation within the community. People could speak well of them and knew them to be people of integrity. Their character was already proven.
2. Full of the Holy Spirit
This wasn't just about having spiritual gifts, but about being deeply influenced and guided by God's Spirit in their daily lives and decisions. It's about a life surrendered to God's will.
3. Full of Wisdom
This refers to practical, godly wisdom – the ability to discern right from wrong, make sound judgments, and handle situations with prudence and good sense. It's wisdom that comes from God and is applied to life.
The apostles didn't just appoint leaders themselves; they involved the whole community. What does this tell us about how the church should function?
This passage reveals a beautiful partnership between apostles and the congregation:
This model shows a balance of communal involvement and recognized apostolic authority, demonstrating that leadership is both chosen by the people and ordained by God through His appointed leaders.
Understand the original words
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. 30 AD
Day of Pentecost and the first Christian converts
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, leading to the conversion of thousands and the formation of the early church.
c. 31 AD
Growth and initial challenges in the Jerusalem church
The church rapidly expands, but issues arise regarding the daily distribution of food and resources, particularly between Greek-speaking and Aramaic-speaking Jewish believers.
c. 31 AD— this verse
Apostles appoint seven helpers
To address the logistical and social challenges, the apostles delegate the daily care of the Hellenistic widows to seven men chosen by the congregation and set apart by prayer and the laying on of hands.
c. 31-34 AD
Stephen's ministry and martyrdom
One of the seven, Stephen, becomes a prominent teacher and miracle-worker, eventually being stoned to death by opponents of the gospel. This event marks a turning point, intensifying persecution.
c. 34 AD
This passage outlines the qualifications for deacons, mirroring the 'good repute' and 'wisdom' required in Acts 6:3, emphasizing character and spiritual maturity.
Exodus 18:21Moses is advised to appoint capable men to handle lesser matters, freeing him to focus on greater responsibilities, which parallels the apostles delegating the daily distribution to the seven.
Numbers 11:16-17God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel and impart His Spirit to them to help bear the burden of leadership, reflecting the need for divinely enabled individuals to manage communal responsibilities.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11This passage speaks of the diverse gifts of the Holy Spirit given for the common good of the church, which aligns with the idea that the seven were chosen for their specific spiritual endowments and wisdom.
ellicottActs 6:3: "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."
(3) Seven men of honest report. —The number may have had its origin in the general reverence for the number Seven among the Jews. Possibly, however, the suggestion may have come from the Libertini , or Hellenistæ of Rome , where there was a distinct guild, or Collegium, known as the Septemviri Epulones, or Seven Stewards (Lucan. i. 602), w…
barnesActs 6:3: "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."
Look ye out - Select, or choose. As this was a matter pertaining to their own pecuniary affairs, it was proper that "they" should be permitted to choose such men as they could confide in. By this means the apostles would be free from all suspicions. It could not be pretended that "they" were partial, nor could it ever be charged on them th…
The apostles instruct the community to "look out" for these leaders, emphasizing that the church itself is meant to discern and bear witness to the character of those who serve. This highlights that even in a divinely appointed structure, the people are partners in identifying and validating spiritual gifting.
A growing dispute arose between Greek-speaking Jewish believers and their Aramaic-speaking counterparts concerning the daily distribution of food to widows, prompting the apostles to delegate this administrative task. To resolve the issue and allow the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching, the congregation is asked to select seven qualified men from within their ranks. These chosen men will then be officially appointed by the apostles to oversee this crucial ministry of care.
A growing dispute arose between Greek-speaking Jewish believers and their Aramaic-speaking counterparts concerning the daily distribution of food to widows, prompting the apostles to delegate this administrative task. To resolve the issue and allow the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching, the congregation is asked to select seven qualified men from within their ranks. These chosen men will then be officially appointed by the apostles to oversee this crucial ministry of care.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 6:3 is available in the Sola app.
The qualifications included not only spiritual depth but also practical wisdom. Why is this combination so crucial for effective service?
The need for men "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" points to a vital truth: serving God isn't just about having a pure heart, but also about having a sharp, discerning mind.
The Role of Wisdom:
This combination ensures that service is both God-honoring and practically effective, preventing potential problems and fostering unity.
Scattering of believers and expansion of the church
Following Stephen's martyrdom, many believers flee Jerusalem, taking the gospel message to Judea, Samaria, and beyond, further spreading the church's influence.
"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." — The apostles instruct the community to "look out" for these leaders, emphasizing that the church itself is meant to discern and bear witness to the character of those who serve. This highlights that…
