Acts 6:3
New International Version
Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

New Living Translation
And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

English Standard Version
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, brothers, select out from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task.

King James Bible
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

New King James Version
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

New American Standard Bible
Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

NASB 1995
“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

NASB 1977
“But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this need.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

Christian Standard Bible
Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.

American Standard Version
Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things.

English Revised Version
Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So, brothers and sisters, choose seven men whom the people know are spiritually wise. We will put them in charge of this problem.

Good News Translation
So then, friends, choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this matter.

International Standard Version
Therefore, brothers, appoint seven men among you who have a good reputation, who are full of the Spirit and wisdom, and we'll put them in charge of this work.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them

NET Bible
But carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to undertake this duty.

World English Bible
Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
look out, therefore, brothers, seven men of you who are testified well of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this necessity,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, brothers, select out from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task.

Young's Literal Translation
look out, therefore, brethren, seven men of you who are well testified of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this necessity,

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore, survey, brethren, seven men of you, being witnesses full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom ye shall set over this need.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, brothers, search among yourselves for seven men of good testimony, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, whom we may appoint over this work.

New American Bible
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task,

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Wherefore, brethren, examine and select from among you seven men of good repute who are full of the Spirit of the LORD and of wisdom, so that we may appoint them to this task.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Search therefore, my brothers, and choose seven men among you upon whom is the testimony and who are full of The Spirit of THE LORD JEHOVAH and wisdom, and we shall appoint them over this matter.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, brethren, select from among yourselves seven men, of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business:

Godbey New Testament
But brethren, look out seven men from you of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this interest;

Haweis New Testament
Therefore, brethren, do ye look out for seven men from among yourselves, the best approved, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint to superintend this business.

Mace New Testament
wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair:

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to undertake this duty.

Worrell New Testament
but look ye out, brethren, from among yourselves, seven well-attested men, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this business;

Worsley New Testament
Wherefore, brethren, look out from among you seven men of good character, full of the holy Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this matter:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Choosing of the Seven
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 4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”…

Cross References
Exodus 18:21
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

1 Timothy 3:8-10
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 Timothy 3:2-7
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. / An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. ...

Titus 1:5-9
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ...

Numbers 11:16-17
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. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

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 Corinthians 6:4
So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church?

1 Peter 5:1-3
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Deuteronomy 1:13
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”

1 Kings 3:9
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

1 Chronicles 28:9
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

2 Chronicles 19:5-7
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”


Treasury of Scripture

Why, brothers, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

brethren.

Acts 9:30
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Acts 15:23
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

look.

Acts 1:21
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Numbers 11:16
And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

Deuteronomy 1:13
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

honest.

Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Acts 16:2
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Acts 22:12
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

full.

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Genesis 41:38,39
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? …

Numbers 11:17-25
And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone…

whom.

Acts 6:6
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 13:2,3
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…

1 Timothy 3:8-15
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; …

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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.














Therefore, brothers
The use of "therefore" indicates a conclusion or a decision based on previous discussions or events. In the context of Acts 6, the early church faced a challenge regarding the distribution of food to widows, which led to complaints. The term "brothers" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is significant as it reflects the familial bond among believers, emphasizing unity and shared faith. This address underscores the communal nature of the early church, where decisions were made collectively and with mutual respect.

select from among you
The phrase "select from among you" implies a democratic process within the early church, where the congregation was involved in choosing leaders. This participatory approach highlights the importance of community discernment and accountability. The Greek word for "select" (ἐπισκέπτομαι, episkeptomai) suggests careful consideration and examination, indicating that the choice of leaders was not to be taken lightly but with prayerful deliberation.

seven men
The number "seven" is often associated with completeness or perfection in biblical literature. In this context, it may reflect a practical decision, possibly influenced by Jewish customs or the need for a manageable group size to effectively address the issue at hand. The choice of men (Greek: ἀνήρ, anēr) reflects the cultural norms of the time, where leadership roles were typically held by males, yet it also sets a precedent for structured leadership within the church.

confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom
The qualifications for these men are twofold: they must be "full of the Spirit" and "wisdom." Being "full of the Spirit" (Greek: πλήρης πνεύματος, plērēs pneumatos) indicates a life led by the Holy Spirit, characterized by spiritual maturity and evidence of the Spirit's fruit. "Wisdom" (Greek: σοφία, sophia) refers to practical insight and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. This dual requirement ensures that leaders are both spiritually grounded and capable of making sound decisions, reflecting the early church's emphasis on spiritual and practical leadership.

We will turn this responsibility over to them
The apostles' decision to delegate this responsibility (Greek: χρεία, chreia) signifies a strategic distribution of duties within the church. By entrusting this task to others, the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, highlighting the importance of recognizing and utilizing diverse gifts within the body of Christ. This delegation also illustrates the principle of shared leadership and the empowerment of others to serve, which is foundational to the church's growth and effectiveness.

(3) Seven men of honest report.--The number may have had its origin in the general reverence for the number Seven among the Jews. Possibly, however, the suggestion may have come from the Libertini, or Hellenistae of Rome, where there was a distinct guild, or Collegium, known as the Septemviri Epulones, or Seven Stewards (Lucan. i. 602), whose business it was to arrange for the banquets held in honour of the gods, which were more or less analogous to the Christian agap?, on certain set days. (See Smith's Dict. of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Art. "Epulones." It is an interesting coincidence that they, too, had been appointed to relieve the Pontifices from a duty which they found too heavy. This view falls in with the inference as to the Roman origin of Stephen which will be found in the Notes on Acts 6:5.

Full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.--The Apostles, it is clear, did not limit their thoughts of the Spirit's working to prophecy and the gift of tongues. Wherever wisdom, and charity, and kindness were requisite, there was need of a supernatural grace, raising men above prejudice and passion. Of these qualities, no less than of the good report, the whole body of believers were to be, in the first instance, the judges, the Apostles reserving to themselves the right of final appointment, and therefore, if necessary, of a veto. It is significant that the word "wisdom" only appears in the Acts in connection with Stephen (here and in Acts 6:10, and in the report of his speech Acts 7:10; Acts 7:22). We may, perhaps, think of James, the brother of the Lord, as led by what he now saw and heard to that prayerful seeking after wisdom which is so prominent in his Epistle (James 1:5; James 3:13-17). . . .

Verse 3. - Look ye out therefore, brethren, from for wherefore, brethren, look ye out, A.V.; good for honest, A.V.; Spirit for Holy Ghost, A.V. and T.R.; of wisdom for wisdom, A.V. Good report; literally, borne witness to; i.e. well spoken cf. So in Hebrews 11:5 it is said of Enoch that "he had witness borne to him that he pleased God," and in Hebrews 11:4 of Abel that "he had witness borne to him that he was righteous;" and so in Acts 10:22 Cornelius is said to be a man "well reported of by all the nation of the Jews." In Acts 16:2 Timothy is said to be "well reported of (ἐμαρτυρεῖτο) by the brethren." The Spirit. The number seven was, perhaps, fixed upon with reference to the exigencies of the service, some think because there were seven tables to be supplied; and partly perhaps from seven being the sacred number, the number of completeness - seven Churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven children (1 Samuel 2:5), seven times (Psalm 119:164). From seven having been the number of the first deacons arose the custom in some Churches of always having seven deacons, which continued some centuries in the Church of Rome. One of the Canons of the Council of Neo-caesarea (An). 314) enacted that "there ought to be but seven deacons in any city," and St. Mark is said to have ordained seven deacons at Alexandria (see Bingham, 'Christ. Antia' vol. 1. p. 232). But the needs of the Churches gradually superseded all such restrictions. Whom we may appoint. The multitude elect, the apostles appoint. The apostolate appears as the sole ministry of the Church at first. From the apostolate is evolved first the diaconate, afterwards the presbyterate, as the need for each arose (Acts 14:23).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

select
ἐπισκέψασθε (episkepsasthe)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1980: To look upon, visit, look out, select.

from
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

among you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

seven
ἑπτὰ (hepta)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.

men
ἄνδρας (andras)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

confirmed to be
μαρτυρουμένους (martyroumenous)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

full
πλήρεις (plēreis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4134: Full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with. From pletho; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete.

of [the] Spirit
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

wisdom.
σοφίας (sophias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.

We will appoint
καταστήσομεν (katastēsomen)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2525: From kata and histemi; to place down, i.e. to designate, constitute, convoy.

this
ταύτης (tautēs)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

responsibility
χρείας (chreias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.

[to them]
οὓς (hous)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.


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NT Apostles: Acts 6:3 Therefore select from among you brothers seven (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 6:2
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