Acts 6:3

Serving others Wisdom The Holy Spirit

¹ In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

² So 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.

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

⁴ and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁵ This 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.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them
KJV: 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.
WEB: 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.
ASV: 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.
DARBY: Look 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:
BLB: Therefore, brothers, select from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task.

ÅB: utse derfor iblant dere, brødre, syv menn som har godt vitnesbyrd, fulle av Ånd og visdom! dem vil vi innsette til å røkte dette hverv;
OTB: Derfor, brødre og søstre, velg ut sju menn blant dere som har godt omdømme, er fulle av Ånden og visdom, som vi kan sette til denne oppgaven.
B1930: utse derfor iblandt eder, brødre, syv menn som har godt vidnesbyrd, fulle av Ånd og visdom! dem vil vi innsette til å røkte dette hverv;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

1 Timothy 3:7–15
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Read in context
Deuteronomy 1:13
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
Read in context
James 3:17–18
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Read in context
Numbers 27:18–19
And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.
Read in context
1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
Read in context
Acts 13:2–3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Read in context
3 John 1:12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Read in context
Numbers 11:16–25
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.
Read in context