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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/6-3.htm" title="Acts 6:3">◄</a> Acts 6:4 <a href="/acts/6-5.htm" title="Acts 6:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And we will steadfastly continue in prayer and the ministry of the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />However, we will devote ourselves to praying and to serving in ways that are related to the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We ourselves, then, will give our full time to prayer and the work of preaching." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then we'll devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But, as for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the delivery of the Message."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and we to prayer, and to the ministry of the word, will give ourselves continually.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And we will steadfastly continue in prayer and the ministry of the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and we to prayer, and to the ministration of the word, will give ourselves continually.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And we will persevere in prayer, and the service of the word.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, we will be continually in prayer and in the ministry of the Word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And we shall continue in prayer, and in the Ministry of the word.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and we will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But we will devote ourselves constantly to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />whilst we shall continue our applications to prayer, and to preaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But, as for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the delivery of the Message."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />but we will devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and to the ministry of the word."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />but we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/6-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=1652" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/6.htm">The Choosing of the Seven</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/4342.htm" title="4342: proskarterēsomen (V-FIA-1P) -- To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon. ">will devote ourselves</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4335.htm" title="4335: proseuchē (N-DFS) -- From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.">prayer</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1248.htm" title="1248: diakonia (N-DFS) -- Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.">ministry</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">word.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a></span><br />Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a></span><br />Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a></span><br />Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">1 Peter 4:7</a></span><br />The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19-20</a></span><br />Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. / For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-7.htm">John 15:7</a></span><br />If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Psalm 55:17</a></span><br />Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10</a></span><br />Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4-6</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. / Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, / let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.</p><p class="hdg">give.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a></b></br> And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Acts 20:19-31</a></b></br> Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a></b></br> Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, <i>let us prophesy</i> according to the proportion of faith; … </p><p class="hdg">prayer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Acts 1:14</a></b></br> These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2,3</a></b></br> As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Romans 1:9</a></b></br> For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/acts/5-28.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Delivery</a> <a href="/micah/4-13.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Ministration</a> <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Ministry</a> <a href="/john/4-42.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/acts/4-31.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Steadfastly</a> <a href="/acts/3-4.htm">Stedfastly</a> <a href="/acts/5-42.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/8-6.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/acts/13-43.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Delivery</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Ministration</a> <a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Ministry</a> <a href="/acts/20-6.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/acts/6-6.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Steadfastly</a> <a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Stedfastly</a> <a href="/acts/8-5.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/7-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">The apostles, desirous to have the poor cared for, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-2.htm">as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-3.htm">recommend,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-5.htm">and with the church's consent ordain seven chosen men to the office of deaconship.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-7.htm">The word of God prevails,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-8.htm">Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, confuting those with whom he disputed, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-12.htm">is brought before the council, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the early church, the apostles were responsible for spiritual leadership and guidance. This phrase highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual duties over administrative tasks. The Greek word for "devote" implies a steadfast and continuous dedication, suggesting that their focus is unwavering and intentional.<p><b>to prayer</b><br>Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the apostles' ministry, reflecting their dependence on God for guidance, strength, and wisdom. In the Jewish tradition, prayer was a central part of daily life, and the early Christians continued this practice. The apostles' commitment to prayer underscores its importance in maintaining a close relationship with God and seeking His will. This dedication to prayer is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a>, which encourages believers to "pray without ceasing."<p><b>and to the ministry of the word.</b><br>The "ministry of the word" refers to the teaching and preaching of the Gospel. The apostles were tasked with spreading the message of Jesus Christ and ensuring that the early church was grounded in sound doctrine. This phrase indicates the priority of teaching and evangelism in their ministry. The "word" here is the message of salvation through Jesus, as seen in <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1</a>, where Jesus is described as the Word. The apostles' focus on the ministry of the word aligns with the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_apostles.htm">The Apostles</a></b><br>The primary leaders of the early church, tasked with spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing the church's foundation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The community of believers in Jerusalem, experiencing rapid growth and facing logistical challenges in caring for its members.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_seven_deacons.htm">The Seven Deacons</a></b><br>Appointed to manage the daily distribution to widows, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central location of the early church and the setting for the events in <a href="/bsb/acts/6.htm">Acts 6</a>.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_ministry_of_the_word.htm">Prayer and Ministry of the Word</a></b><br>The dual focus of the apostles' mission, emphasizing spiritual leadership and teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_spiritual_responsibilities.htm">Prioritizing Spiritual Responsibilities</a></b><br>The apostles' decision to focus on prayer and teaching highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual responsibilities in leadership roles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/delegation_in_ministry.htm">Delegation in Ministry</a></b><br>The appointment of deacons demonstrates the necessity of delegating tasks to maintain focus on primary spiritual duties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>Emphasizes the critical role of prayer in sustaining and guiding the church's mission.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_the_word.htm">Commitment to the Word</a></b><br>Encourages believers to remain steadfast in studying and teaching Scripture as a core aspect of their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_service_and_spiritual_growth.htm">Balancing Service and Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Illustrates the need for a balanced approach to serving others while nurturing one's spiritual life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_ministry_of_the_word's_role.htm">What is the purpose of the Ministry of the Word?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_we_witness_his_divine_glory.htm">What is the purpose of the Ministry of the Word?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_burnout_in_ministry.htm">How can I prevent burnout in ministry roles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_diakonia_mean.htm">What does diakonia mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">We will persevere in</span> . . . These formed the true work of the Apostles, as afterwards of the bishops or elders of the Church. "Prayer" includes the public worship of the Church in all its various developments, as well as private prayer and intercession; the "ministry of the word," all forms of teaching.<p>It is to be noted that the men thus appointed are never called "deacons" in the New Testament. When they are referred to again it is as "the Seven" (<a href="/acts/21-8.htm" title="And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came to Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and stayed with him.">Acts 21:8</a>), as though they were a distinct and peculiar body. Their functions were, of course, in some degree, analogous to those of the "deacons" of the Pastoral Epistles and the later organisation of the Church; but these, as we have seen, had their prototypes in the "young men," as contrasted with "elders," in <a href="/acts/5-6.htm" title="And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.">Acts 5:6</a>; <a href="/acts/5-10.htm" title="Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.">Acts 5:10</a>; and the Seven were probably appointed, so to speak, as <span class= "ital">archdeacons, </span>to superintend and guide them. In some churches, as at Rome, the number of deacons was fixed at seven, in conformity with this precedent (so also at the Council of Neo-Caesarea, <span class= "ital">Can.</span> 14, A.D. 314), and they were considered, when the bishop came to be distinguished from the elders, as acting more immediately under the direction of the former, helping him in the details of his office.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> <span class="accented">- Continue steadfastly in</span> for <span class="accented">give ourselves continually</span> to, A.V.; <span class="accented">in</span> (the ministry) for <span class="accented">to</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Steadfastly</span>. The verb <span class="greek">προσκαρτερέω</span> is of frequent use in the Acts (see <a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Acts 1:14</a>; <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a>; 5:46; 8:13; x. 7; see also <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a>). It is used of persons and things to which any one adheres closely and perseveringly, which are put in the dative case, as here. But sometimes it has the prepositions <span class="greek">ἐν</span> or <span class="greek">εἰς</span> after it, as in Acts 5:46; Hist. of Susann. 7; <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6</a>. Ver. 5. <span class="accented">- Holy Spirit</span> for <span class="accented">Holy Ghost</span>, A.V. The mention of Stephen, and the narrative which follows leading up from Stephen's martyrdom to St. Paul (<a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a>), show to what the writer is tending. He selects the incidents in the history of the Church at Jerusalem which connect themselves most directly with that after history which was the object he had in view. It has been thought by some that the Greek character of all seven names is an indication that they were Hellenists. Such a conclusion, however, is not warranted, as many Jews who were not Hellenists had Greek or Latin names, <span class="accented">e.g.</span> Paul, Sylvanus, Aquila, Priscilla, Marcus, Justus, Petrus, Didymus, etc. At the same time, it is likely that some of them were. One, Nicolas, was a proselyte. The object, doubtless, was to ensure perfect fairness of distribution of the Church charities. <span class="cmt_word">Stephen</span> and <span class="cmt_word">Philip</span> (<a href="/acts/8-5.htm">Acts 8:5</a>, etc.; Acts 21:8) are the only two of whom we know anything beyond their names. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/6-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devote ourselves</span><br /><span class="grk">προσκαρτερήσομεν</span> <span class="translit">(proskarterēsomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4342.htm">Strong's 4342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prayer</span><br /><span class="grk">προσευχῇ</span> <span class="translit">(proseuchē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4335.htm">Strong's 4335: </a> </span><span class="str2">From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ministry</span><br /><span class="grk">διακονίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(diakonia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1248.htm">Strong's 1248: </a> </span><span class="str2">Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word.”</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγου</span> <span class="translit">(logou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/6-4.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 6:4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/6-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 6:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 6:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/6-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 6:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 6:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>