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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 6:6 They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/6-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/44_Act_06_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 6:6 - The Choosing of the Seven" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And having prayed, they laid the hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid <i>their</i> hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And these they stood before the apostles, and after praying, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them [to dedicate and commission them for this service].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show they had been chosen to do this work. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The disciples had these men stand in front of the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on these seven men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The group presented them to the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They stood these men before the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />These men they brought to the Apostles, and, after prayer, they laid their hands upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles, and they, having prayed, laid [their] hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid the hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> whom they did set before the apostles, and they, having prayed, laid on them their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Whom they set before the sent: and having prayed, they put hands upon them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />These they set before the sight of the Apostles, and while praying, they imposed hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />These men stood before the apostles: who, as they prayed, laid their hands on them.<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 />They presented these before the Apostles, and when they had prayed, they placed hands on them.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />the Antiochian proselyte, whom they placed before the apostles, and having prayed, they placed their hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />these they presented to the apostles: who after prayer gave them imposition of hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />These men they brought to the Apostles, and, after prayer, they laid their hands upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid <i>their</i> hands on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid <i>their</i> hands upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/6-6.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=1675" 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">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. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: estēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">They presented</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hous (RelPro-AMP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">these seven</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolōn (N-GMP) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">apostles,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: proseuxamenoi (V-APM-NMP) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">prayed</a> <a href="/greek/2007.htm" title="2007: epethēkan (V-AIA-3P) -- To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.">and laid</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">their</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiras (N-AFP) -- A hand. ">hands</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">on them.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.…<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="/acts/13-3.htm">Acts 13:3</a></span><br />And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14</a></span><br />Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6</a></span><br />For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/27-18.htm">Numbers 27:18-23</a></span><br />And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Deuteronomy 34:9</a></span><br />Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a></span><br />Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-2.htm">Hebrews 6:2</a></span><br />instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-10.htm">Exodus 29:10</a></span><br />You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-14.htm">Leviticus 8:14</a></span><br />Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/8-10.htm">Numbers 8:10</a></span><br />You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-17.htm">Acts 8:17</a></span><br />Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Acts 9:17</a></span><br />So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Acts 19:6</a></span><br />And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a></span><br />Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24-26</a></span><br />And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.</p><p class="hdg">when.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24</a></b></br> And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all <i>men</i>, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/8-17.htm">Acts 8:17</a></b></br> Then laid they <i>their</i> hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Acts 9:17</a></b></br> And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, <i>even</i> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/acts/5-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/5-18.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/acts/4-31.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/acts/6-4.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/john/18-1.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/acts/1-3.htm">Presented</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/8-1.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/acts/7-41.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/7-16.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/acts/9-41.htm">Presented</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They presented these seven to the apostles</b><br>In the early church, the selection of the seven men was a response to a practical need within the community, specifically the fair distribution of food to widows. This act of presenting them to the apostles signifies the importance of leadership and accountability in the church. The number seven is often seen as a number of completeness or perfection in the Bible, reflecting the thoroughness of the apostles' decision. The apostles, as the leaders of the early church, were responsible for ensuring that the community's needs were met in a manner consistent with the teachings of Jesus.<p><b>who prayed</b><br>Prayer was a foundational practice in the early church, reflecting dependence on God for guidance and blessing. The apostles' prayer before appointing the seven men underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom and approval in leadership decisions. This practice is consistent with other instances in Scripture where prayer precedes significant decisions or actions, such as Jesus praying before choosing the twelve apostles (<a href="/luke/6-12.htm">Luke 6:12-13</a>).<p><b>and laid their hands on them</b><br>The laying on of hands is a symbolic act with roots in the Old Testament, often associated with the transfer of authority or blessing (<a href="/numbers/27-18.htm">Numbers 27:18-23</a>). In the New Testament, it is used in various contexts, including healing, imparting the Holy Spirit, and commissioning individuals for specific tasks. Here, it signifies the apostles' endorsement and empowerment of the seven men for their new role. This act also reflects the continuity of God's work through His chosen leaders, as seen in the commissioning of Joshua by Moses.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_apostles.htm">The Apostles</a></b><br>The original disciples of Jesus Christ who were given the responsibility to lead the early church. They were instrumental in spreading the Gospel and establishing church practices.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_seven.htm">The Seven</a></b><br>A group of seven men chosen by the early church to assist the apostles by overseeing the daily distribution to widows, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. This included Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_laying_on_of_hands.htm">The Laying on of Hands</a></b><br>A significant act in the early church symbolizing the impartation of authority, blessing, or the Holy Spirit. It was a common practice for commissioning individuals for specific roles or tasks.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prayer.htm">Prayer</a></b><br>A central practice in the early church, reflecting dependence on God for guidance, empowerment, and blessing.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The location of the early church and the setting for this event. It was the center of Jewish worship and the birthplace of the Christian church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_delegation.htm">The Importance of Delegation</a></b><br>The apostles recognized the need to delegate responsibilities to maintain focus on their primary calling. In our lives, we should also identify areas where delegation can help us focus on our God-given priorities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Prayer in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Before commissioning the seven, the apostles prayed. This underscores the necessity of seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially when appointing leaders or making significant changes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_laying_on_of_hands.htm">The Significance of Laying on of Hands</a></b><br>This act is not merely symbolic but a means of imparting authority and blessing. In our church practices, we should uphold the significance of such traditions that have biblical foundations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_involvement_in_leadership_selection.htm">Community Involvement in Leadership Selection</a></b><br>The early church involved the community in selecting the seven, highlighting the importance of communal discernment and affirmation in leadership decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/empowerment_for_service.htm">Empowerment for Service</a></b><br>The seven were chosen to serve, reminding us that leadership in the church is about service, not status. We should seek to serve others in whatever capacity God calls us.<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_does_the_bible_say_on_laying_hands.htm">What does the Bible say about laying on hands?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_apostolic_succession.htm">What defines Apostolic Succession in Christianity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_on_monogamous_same-sex_ties.htm">What is Christ Embassy's Atmosphere for Miracles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_praying_to_saints.htm">Is praying to saints and Mary supported by the Bible?</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>(6) <span class= "bld">When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.</span>--This is the first mention of the act in the New Testament. It had had an analogous meaning in the ritual of Israel (<a href="/numbers/27-23.htm" title="And he laid his hands on him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.">Numbers 27:23</a>) in acts of blessing (<a href="/context/genesis/48-13.htm" title="And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near to him.">Genesis 48:13-14</a>) 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 on whom men lay their hands; and so of the bestowal of any office for which spiritual gifts are required. It had been used in the Jewish schools on the admission of a scribe to his office as a teacher. It soon became the customary outward and visible sign of such bestowal (<a href="/acts/13-3.htm" title="And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.">Acts 13:3</a>). Instruction as to what it thus meant entered into the primary teaching of all converts (<a href="/hebrews/6-2.htm" title="Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.">Hebrews 6:2</a>). It was connected with other acts that pre-supposed the communication of a spiritual gift (<a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm" title="Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.">1Timothy 5:22</a>). Through well-nigh all changes of polity and dogma and ritual, it has kept its place with Baptism and the Supper of the Lord, among the unchanging witnesses of the Church's universality and permanence, witnessing, as in Confirmation, to the diversity of spiritual gifts, and, as in Ordination, to their connection with every special office and administration in the Church of God.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them</span>. They did not pray without imposition of hands, nor did they lay hands on them without prayer. So in the sacraments, in confirmation, and ordination, the outward sign or rite is accompanied by prayer for the thing signified. And God's grace is given through the sacrament or rite in answer to the prayer of faith (see <a href="/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15</a>, and the Office for Baptism, the Prayer of Consecration in the Office for Holy Communion, and the Confirmation and Ordination Services). (For the laying on of hands as a mode of conveying a special grace and blessing, see <a href="/numbers/27-3.htm">Numbers 27:3</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Deuteronomy 34:9</a>; <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13-15</a>; <a href="/luke/4-40.htm">Luke 4:40</a>; <a href="/acts/8-17.htm">Acts 8:17</a>; <a href="/acts/13-3.htm">Acts 13:3</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a>; <a href="/hebrews/6-2.htm">Hebrews 6:2</a>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/6-6.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">They presented</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστησαν</span> <span class="translit">(estēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[these seven]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὓς</span> <span class="translit">(hous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνώπιον</span> <span class="translit">(enōpion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<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">apostles,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποστόλων</span> <span class="translit">(apostolōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[who]</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">prayed</span><br /><span class="grk">προσευξάμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(proseuxamenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] laid</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπέθηκαν</span> <span class="translit">(epethēkan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[their]</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Plural<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">hands</span><br /><span class="grk">χεῖρας</span> <span class="translit">(cheiras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">on them.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/6-6.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 6:6 Whom they set before the apostles (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/6-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 6:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 6:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/6-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 6:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 6:7" /></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>