Acts 6:2
New International Version
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

New Living Translation
So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.

Berean Literal Bible
So the Twelve, having called near the multitude of the disciples, said, "It is not desirable for us, having neglected the word of God, to attend tables.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

New American Standard Bible
So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.

NASB 1995
So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.

NASB 1977
And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not pleasing to God for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.

Amplified Bible
So the Twelve called the disciples together and said, “It is not appropriate for us to neglect [teaching] the word of God in order to serve tables and manage the distribution of food.

Christian Standard Bible
The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters.

American Standard Version
And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

Contemporary English Version
The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, "We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables.

English Revised Version
And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The twelve apostles called all the disciples together and told them, "It's not right for us to give up God's word in order to distribute food.

Good News Translation
So the twelve apostles called the whole group of believers together and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the preaching of God's word in order to handle finances.

International Standard Version
So the Twelve called the whole group of disciples together and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect messages from God in order to wait on tables.

Majority Standard Bible
So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, ?It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.

NET Bible
So the twelve called the whole group of the disciples together and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to wait on tables.

New Heart English Bible
So the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Weymouth New Testament
So the Twelve called together the general body of the disciples and said, "It does not seem fitting that we Apostles should neglect the delivery of God's Message and minister at tables.

World English Bible
The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the Twelve, having called near the multitude of the disciples, said, “It is not pleasing that we, having left the word of God, minister at tables;

Berean Literal Bible
So the Twelve, having called near the multitude of the disciples, said, "It is not desirable for us, having neglected the word of God, to attend tables.

Young's Literal Translation
and the twelve, having called near the multitude of the disciples, said, 'It is not pleasing that we, having left the word of God, do minister at tables;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the twelve having called the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not pleasing for us, having left the word of God, to serve tables.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: “It is not fair for us to leave behind the Word of God to serve at tables also.

New American Bible
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.

New Revised Standard Version
And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So the twelve apostles called the whole multitude of the converts and said to them, It is not good that we should leave the word of God and serve food.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the twelve Apostles called the whole assembly of the disciples and they said to them, “It is not acceptable for us to forsake the word of God and to serve tables.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said: It is not right that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Godbey New Testament
And the twelve calling to them the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not pleasing that we, leaving the word of God, serve tables.

Haweis New Testament
Then the twelve assembling the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to make distribution to the tables.

Mace New Testament
the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals.

Weymouth New Testament
So the Twelve called together the general body of the disciples and said, "It does not seem fitting that we Apostles should neglect the delivery of God's Message and minister at tables.

Worrell New Testament
And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples to them, said, "It is not proper that we, leaving the word of God, should serve tables;

Worsley New Testament
So the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, It is not seemly that we should leave the word of God and attend at tables.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Choosing of the Seven
1In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them…

Cross References
Exodus 18:17-26
But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. / Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone. / Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. ...

Numbers 11:14-17
I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. / If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. ...

1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. / They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. / Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons. ...

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

1 Corinthians 7:17
Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.

1 Corinthians 9:14
In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

Luke 10:40-42
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” / “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. / But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mark 3:14
He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach,

Matthew 20:26-28
It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.


Treasury of Scripture

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

the twelve.

Acts 21:22
What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

It.

Acts 4:19
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Acts 25:27
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

we should.

Exodus 18:17-26
And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good…

Numbers 11:11-13
And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? …

Deuteronomy 1:9-14
And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: …

Jump to Previous
Apostles Appropriate Body Congregation Delivery Desirable Disciples Distribution Fitting Food Forsake Gathered General God's Leave Message Ministry Multitude Neglect Order Preaching Reason Right Seem Serve Summoned Tables Together Twelve Word
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Apostles Appropriate Body Congregation Delivery Desirable Disciples Distribution Fitting Food Forsake Gathered General God's Leave Message Ministry Multitude Neglect Order Preaching Reason Right Seem Serve Summoned Tables Together Twelve Word
Acts 6
1. The apostles, desirous to have the poor cared for,
2. as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul,
3. recommend,
5. and with the church's consent ordain seven chosen men to the office of deaconship.
7. The word of God prevails,
8. Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, confuting those with whom he disputed,
12. is brought before the council,
13. and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple.














So the Twelve
This phrase refers to the twelve apostles, the foundational leaders of the early Christian church. The number twelve is significant, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, and indicating the continuity of God's covenant people. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and were entrusted with spreading His teachings. Historically, the Twelve held a unique authority in the early church, guiding its doctrine and practice.

summoned all the disciples
The act of summoning indicates a gathering of the broader group of believers, not just the apostles. The term "disciples" here refers to the followers of Jesus who were committed to learning from the apostles. This gathering underscores the communal nature of the early church, where decisions were made collectively. The Greek root for "disciples" is "mathētēs," meaning learners or students, highlighting the role of believers as continual learners of Christ's teachings.

and said
This phrase introduces the direct speech of the apostles, indicating their leadership role. The apostles' words carry weight and authority, as they are seen as the primary interpreters of Jesus' teachings. The act of speaking here is not just communication but a directive, guiding the early church in its mission and organization.

It is unacceptable
The word "unacceptable" conveys a strong sense of impropriety or inappropriateness. The Greek word used here is "arestos," which can mean pleasing or acceptable. The apostles are making a clear judgment about priorities, emphasizing that certain tasks, while important, should not detract from their primary mission.

for us to neglect
Neglect implies a failure to give proper attention or care. The apostles recognize the danger of being distracted from their primary responsibilities. The Greek root "kataleipō" means to leave behind or abandon, suggesting that the apostles are concerned about abandoning their God-given duties.

the word of God
This phrase refers to the teachings and message of Jesus Christ, which the apostles were commissioned to spread. The "word of God" is central to the mission of the church, and the apostles prioritize it above all else. Historically, the proclamation of the word was seen as the primary means of spreading the gospel and growing the church.

in order to wait on tables
The phrase "wait on tables" refers to the practical service of distributing food and resources to the needy within the community. The Greek word "diakonein" is used here, which means to serve or minister. This service is important, but the apostles recognize that their primary calling is to preach and teach. This distinction leads to the appointment of deacons, who would take on these practical responsibilities, allowing the apostles to focus on spiritual leadership. This decision reflects the early church's understanding of different roles and gifts within the body of Christ, ensuring that all needs are met without compromising the mission.

(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 delegating part of their authority to others. The collective action of the multitude is strikingly in harmony with the Greek ideas attached to the word Ecclesia, as the assembly in which every citizen might take his share. Representative government might come as a necessity of later times; as yet, every member of the congregation, every citizen of the new polity, was invited, as having a right to vote.

It is not reason.--Literally, It is not pleasing, as in Acts 12:3. The word implies that they had undertaken a burdensome duty, not for their own pleasure, because they liked it, but for the good of the community.

And serve tables.--The word was used for the "tables" of money-changers, as in Matthew 21:12, John 2:15, and was, therefore, equally appropriate whether we think of the relief as being given in money or in kind.

Verse 2. - And for then, A.V.; fit for reasons, A.V.; forsake for leave, A.V. It is not fit; literally, pleasing; ἀρεστόν is often the rendering of טוב in the LXX.; e.g. Gem 16:6; Deuteronomy 12:28. In Exodus 15:26, Deuteronomy 6:18, etc., it stands for יָשָׁר, that which is right. Serve tables. The English reader should remember that the "ministration" of ver. 1, the "serve" of this verse, and the "deacon" which was the name of the new officers, are all forms of the same Greek word (διακονία διακονεῖν διάκονος). In ver. 4 "the ministry of the Word" is opposed to "the daily ministration" of meat. The passage gives a necessary warning to the ministers of God's Word not to spend too much time and strength upon any secular work, even though it be a work of charity. They must give themselves to the Word of God and to prayer. There are Christian laity to serve tables.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

summoned
Προσκαλεσάμενοι (Proskalesamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

all
πλῆθος (plēthos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4128: A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθητῶν (mathētōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

[and] said,
εἶπαν (eipan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“It is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

unacceptable
ἀρεστόν (areston)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 701: Pleasing, satisfactory, acceptable. From aresko; agreeable; by implication, fit.

[for] us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to neglect
καταλείψαντας (kataleipsantas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2641: From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

[in order] to wait on
διακονεῖν (diakonein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.

tables.
τραπέζαις (trapezais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5132: Probably contracted from tessares and peze; a table or stool, usually for food; also a counter for money.


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NT Apostles: Acts 6:2 The twelve summoned the multitude (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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