Acts 6:3
What does Acts 6:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 6:3 means
The apostles then instructed the congregation to select seven men from among themselves. These individuals were to be known for their good reputation, evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, and possessing practical wisdom. The purpose of their appointment was to delegate the responsibility of overseeing the daily distribution of food, allowing the apostles to continue their spiritual ministries. This initiative demonstrates a Spirit-led organizational development within the early church, identifying that specific gifts and character were necessary for effective service, even in practical matters.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Look 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Look 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take then from among you seven men of good name, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, to whom we may give control of this business.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862look 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,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Look out therefore, brethren, from among yourselves seven men, well reported of, full of [the] [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we will establish over this business:
Context
This verse directly follows the apostles' declaration of their primary focus, offering the practical solution to the problem identified in verse 1. It outlines the qualifications for the new role and empowers the disciples to participate in the selection process. This instruction is critical, as it defines the criteria for the first 'deacons' and establishes a pattern for selecting leaders in service roles.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 1:21
Of the men therefore that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us,
- Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.
- James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
- Isaiah 28:6
and a spirit of justice to him that sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.
- Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.
- Numbers 27:18
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thy hand upon him;
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