Acts 6:6
New International Version
They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

New Living Translation
These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

English Standard Version
These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Berean Standard Bible
They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Berean Literal Bible
whom they set before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid the hands on them.

King James Bible
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

New King James Version
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

New American Standard Bible
And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

NASB 1995
And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

NASB 1977
And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And these they stood before the apostles, and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

Amplified Bible
They brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them [to dedicate and commission them for this service].

Christian Standard Bible
They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

American Standard Version
whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised Version
whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The disciples had these men stand in front of the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on these seven men.

Good News Translation
The group presented them to the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them.

International Standard Version
They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Majority Standard Bible
They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

NET Bible
They stood these men before the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them.

New Heart English Bible
whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Webster's Bible Translation
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Weymouth New Testament
These men they brought to the Apostles, and, after prayer, they laid their hands upon them.

World English Bible
whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
whom they set before the apostles, and they, having prayed, laid [their] hands on them.

Berean Literal Bible
whom they set before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid the hands on them.

Young's Literal Translation
whom they did set before the apostles, and they, having prayed, laid on them their hands.

Smith's Literal Translation
Whom they set before the sent: and having prayed, they put hands upon them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These they set before the sight of the Apostles, and while praying, they imposed hands on them.

New American Bible
They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.

New Revised Standard Version
They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These men stood before the apostles: who, as they prayed, laid their hands on them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
They presented these before the Apostles, and when they had prayed, they placed hands on them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Godbey New Testament
the Antiochian proselyte, whom they placed before the apostles, and having prayed, they placed their hands on them.

Haweis New Testament
whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

Mace New Testament
these they presented to the apostles: who after prayer gave them imposition of hands.

Weymouth New Testament
These men they brought to the Apostles, and, after prayer, they laid their hands upon them.

Worrell New Testament
whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Worsley New Testament
These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Choosing of the Seven
5This 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. 6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So 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.…

Cross References
Acts 13:3
And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

1 Timothy 4:14
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.

2 Timothy 1:6
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.

Numbers 27:18-23
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. ...

Deuteronomy 34:9
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.

1 Timothy 5:22
Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Hebrews 6:2
instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Exodus 29:10
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.

Leviticus 8:14
Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

Numbers 8:10
You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them.

Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9:17
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.”

Acts 19:6
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Acts 14:23
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.

Acts 1:24-26
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.


Treasury of Scripture

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

when.

Acts 1:24
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Acts 8:17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even 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.

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Apostles Hands Laid Prayed Prayer Praying Presented
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.














They presented these seven to the apostles
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.

who prayed
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 (Luke 6:12-13).

and laid their hands on them
The laying on of hands is a symbolic act with roots in the Old Testament, often associated with the transfer of authority or blessing (Numbers 27:18-23). 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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Apostles
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.

2. The Seven
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.

3. The Laying on of Hands
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.

4. Prayer
A central practice in the early church, reflecting dependence on God for guidance, empowerment, and blessing.

5. Jerusalem
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.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Delegation
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.

The Role of Prayer in Decision-Making
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.

The Significance of Laying on of Hands
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.

Community Involvement in Leadership Selection
The early church involved the community in selecting the seven, highlighting the importance of communal discernment and affirmation in leadership decisions.

Empowerment for Service
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.(6) When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.--This is the first mention of the act in the New Testament. It had had an analogous meaning in the ritual of Israel (Numbers 27:23) in acts of blessing (Genesis 48:13-14) and the transmission of functions. Its primary symbolism would seem to be that of the concentration for the moment of all the spiritual energy of prayer upon him 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 (Acts 13:3). Instruction as to what it thus meant entered into the primary teaching of all converts (Hebrews 6:2). It was connected with other acts that pre-supposed the communication of a spiritual gift (1Timothy 5:22). 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.

Verse 6. - When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 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 Acts 8:15, 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 Numbers 27:3; Deuteronomy 34:9; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 4:40; Acts 8:17; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:22; Hebrews 6:2.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They presented
ἔστησαν (estēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

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

to
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

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.

apostles,
ἀποστόλων (apostolōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

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

prayed
προσευξάμενοι (proseuxamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

[and] laid
ἐπέθηκαν (epethēkan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.

[their]
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hands
χεῖρας (cheiras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495: A hand.

on them.
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Apostles: Acts 6:6 Whom they set before the apostles (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 6:5
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