Acts 6:4
What does Acts 6:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 6:4 means
The apostles clearly stated their commitment to two primary ministries that were foundational to their calling: consistent prayer and the diligent proclamation of God's Word. By delegating the physical administration of food, they ensured that they could remain steadfast in these essential spiritual tasks. This verse underscores the priority of spiritual leadership in prayer and teaching, recognizing these as vital for the church's health and growth, and highlighting the importance of focused, unwavering dedication to these core functions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then we will give all our time to prayer and the teaching of the word.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and we to prayer, and to the ministration of the word, will give ourselves continually.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but we will give ourselves up to prayer and the ministry of the word.
Context
This verse reinforces and elaborates on the apostles' statement in verse 2, clearly articulating their commitment to prayer and the ministry of the word. It explains the rationale behind the delegation proposed in verse 3, showing the intentionality of their decision. This commitment highlights the division of labor within the early church and the foundational importance of spiritual disciplines for leadership.
v.3Look 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.
v.4This passage
v.5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:6
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
- Colossians 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- Acts 13:2
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
- Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers
- 1 Corinthians 9:16
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.
- Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.
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