These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This wasn't just a casual appointment; the apostles first prayed, invoking God's blessing to empower these new leaders. Then, they laid hands on them, a profound gesture signifying the formal commissioning and spiritual impartation for their vital service.
These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The apostles have just instructed the church to choose seven qualified men to handle the daily distribution of food, addressing a complaint from Hellenistic widows. After the congregation selects these seven men, they are presented to the apostles, who then pray over them and lay hands on them as a sign of their official commissioning for this important service.
Ever wonder what happens when God's people are officially set apart for ministry? It's not just a ceremony; it's about divine empowerment.
In Acts 6:6, the apostles don't just nod their approval of the chosen seven. They engage in a profound act of prayer, asking God to equip these individuals for their specific service. This prayer isn't a mere formality; it's a petition for divine enablement. The laying on of hands that follows is a visible sign of this commissioning, a tangible moment where God’s blessing and authority are invoked upon them.
This highlights a crucial biblical principle: every task assigned by God, especially those serving His church, requires His power and authorization. The apostles understood that human selection needed divine confirmation.
The laying on of hands might seem like a simple gesture, but in Scripture, it carries immense weight.
The laying on of hands in Acts 6:6 is a symbolic act deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. It signifies not only the designation of a person to a specific office or task but also the impartation of blessing and spiritual gifting. Think of it as a prayer in physical form, channeling God’s grace and authority onto the recipients.
This rite was understood as a way to concentrate spiritual energy for the task ahead, ensuring that those chosen were set apart and empowered by God’s Spirit for their unique responsibilities.
Understand the original words
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apostolos · Greek Noun
The authorized leaders of the early church, appointed by Jesus to be eyewitnesses of his resurrection, tasked with proclaiming the gospel and establishing the church.
epitithēmi cheiras · Greek Verb phrase
An act of dedication, commissioning, or invoking God's blessing and power upon a person for a specific task or office.
The selection and ordination of the first deacons wasn't just about administrative efficiency; it was a pivotal moment in the church's structure, recognizing the need for specialized ministry and the authority of the apostles to officially commission leaders through prayer and the laying on of hands, a practice with deep roots in Israel's history.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus completes his earthly ministry, is crucified, and ascends to heaven, leaving the disciples to carry on his work.
c. 33 AD
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles and the early Christian community in Jerusalem, leading to rapid growth.
c. 33-47 AD
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The church in Jerusalem flourishes, with the apostles performing miracles and teaching. Daily distribution of resources begins.
c. 47 AD— this verse
Selection of Seven Hellenists
A dispute arises between Greek-speaking and Aramaic-speaking widows over daily care. The apostles appoint seven men to oversee this ministry.
c. 47 AD
Laying on of Hands for Ministry
The apostles pray and lay hands on the seven chosen men, officially setting them apart for their service, which likely included more than just 'serving tables'.
c. 47-48 AD
Ministry of Stephen and Philip
Two of the seven, Stephen and Philip, perform great wonders and preach powerfully, demonstrating the spiritual significance of their new roles.
This Old Testament passage shows the precedent for laying on of hands, where Joshua was set apart for leadership by Moses through this very act, mirroring the selection and commissioning of the seven deacons.
1 Timothy 5:22Here, Paul instructs Timothy not to be hasty in laying on of hands, highlighting that this action signifies the bestowing of spiritual gifts and appointment to ministry, just as seen in Acts 6.
Hebrews 6:2This verse lists 'instruction about baptisms and **laying on of hands**' as a foundational teaching of Christ, underscoring the significance and spiritual weight of this rite established in Acts 6.
Matthew 19:13Jesus himself laid his hands on the children brought to him, illustrating the act of blessing and setting apart, which parallels the apostles' prayerful laying on of hands to dedicate the deacons to their service.
ellicottActs 6:6: "Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."
(6) When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. —This is the first mention of the act in the New Testament. It had had an analogous meaning in the ritual of Israel ( Numbers 27:23 ) in acts of blessing ( Genesis 48:13-14 ) and the transmission of functions. Its primary symbolism would seem to be that of the concentration for the moment of all the spiritual energy of prayer upon him o…
barnesActs 6:6: "Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."
And when they had prayed - Invoking in this manner the blessing of God to attend them in the discharge of the duties of their office. They laid their hands ... - Among the Jews it was customary to lay hands on the head of a person who was set apart to any particular office, Numbers 27:18; Compare Acts 8:19. This was done, not to impart any power or ability, but to "designate" that they receiv…
This wasn't just a casual appointment; the apostles first prayed, invoking God's blessing to empower these new leaders. Then, they laid hands on them, a profound gesture signifying the formal commissioning and spiritual impartation for their vital service.
The apostles have just instructed the church to choose seven qualified men to handle the daily distribution of food, addressing a complaint from Hellenistic widows. After the congregation selects these seven men, they are presented to the apostles, who then pray over them and lay hands on them as a sign of their official commissioning for this important service.
The apostles have just instructed the church to choose seven qualified men to handle the daily distribution of food, addressing a complaint from Hellenistic widows. After the congregation selects these seven men, they are presented to the apostles, who then pray over them and lay hands on them as a sign of their official commissioning for this important service.
"These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them." — This wasn't just a casual appointment; the apostles first prayed, invoking God's blessing to empower these new leaders. Then, they laid hands on them, a profound gesture signifying the formal commiss…
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Last reviewed October 2026