Acts 6:2-4

Acts 6:2-4

[2] Then  the twelve  called  the multitude  of the disciples  unto them, and said,  not  reason  should leave  the word  of God,  and serve  tables.  [3] brethren,  look ye out  among  seven  men  of honest report,  full  Ghost  and  wisdom,  whom  we may appoint  over  business.  [4] But  will give ourselves continually  to prayer,  and  to the ministry  of the word. 

What does Acts 6:2-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The12apostles wisely delegated responsibility for this ministry to other qualified men in the congregation so it would not distract them from their primary duties. This is the only reference to the Twelve in Acts (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:5), though Luke referred to the Eleven earlier ( Acts 2:14). Serving tables probably involved the organization and administration of ministry to the widows rather than simply serving as waiters or dispensers (cf. Matthew 21:12; Luke 19:23). [1]
The leaders of the church asked the congregation to nominate seven qualified men whom the apostles would officially appoint. Many churches today take this approach in selecting secondary church leaders basing their practice on this model. For example, the congregation nominates deacons, and the elders appoint some or all of them. This approach was common in Judaism. It was not a new plan that the apostles devised, though it was new to the church.
"Selecting seven men may go back to the tradition in Jewish communities where seven respected men managed the public business in an official council." [2]
These men needed to have good reputations, to be under the Spirit"s control, and to be wise ( Acts 6:3). Note that these are character traits, not special talents or abilities (cf. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). The Twelve then would be free to concentrate on their primary responsibilities: prayer and the ministry of God"s Word ( Acts 6:4).
"It is not necessarily suggested that serving tables is on a lower level than prayer and teaching; the point is rather that the task to which the Twelve had been specifically called was one of witness and evangelism." [3]
As elsewhere in Scripture, prayer is the primary way God has ordained whereby His people secure His working in human affairs.
"Prayer is the most powerful and effective means of service in the Kingdom of God ... It is the most dynamic work which God has entrusted to His saints, but it is also the most neglected ministry open to the believer.
"The Bible clearly reveals that believing prayer is essential for the advancement of the cause of Christ. It is the essential element for Christian victory ...
"We may marvel at the spiritual power and glorious victories of the early apostolic church, but we often forget that its constant prayer life was the secret of its strength ...
"If the church today would regain the spiritual power of the early church it must recover the truth and practice of prayer as a vital working force." [4]