Amplified Bible
Acts 6:4
4But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:4 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
- New International Version (NIV)and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
- English Standard Version (ESV)But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
- New King James Version (NKJV)but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Context of Acts 6:4
2So the Twelve called the disciples together and said, “It is not appropriate for us to neglect [teaching] the word of God in order to serve tables and manage the distribution of food. 3Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5The suggestion pleased the whole congregation; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith [in Christ Jesus], and [filled with and led by] the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (Nikolaos), a proselyte (Gentile convert) from Antioch. 6They brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them [to dedicate and commission them for this service].
Read all of Acts 6Acts 6:4 word by word
ἡμεῖς δὲ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ διακονίᾳ τοῦ λόγου προσκαρτερήσομεν.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Acts 6:4
- Acts 2:42They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers.
- Acts 20:19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials which came on me because of the plots of the Jews [against me];
- Romans 12:6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed;
- 1 Corinthians 9:16For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]!
- Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, “See to it that you fulfill [carefully the duties of] the ministry which you have received in the Lord.”
- 1 Timothy 4:13Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God’s word].
- 2 Timothy 4:2preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.
- Acts 1:14All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- Acts 13:2While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.”
- Romans 1:9For God, whom I serve with my spirit by preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how continuously I mention you
- Ephesians 1:15For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,
- Ephesians 3:14For this reason [grasping the greatness of this plan by which Jews and Gentiles are joined together in Christ] I bow my knees [in reverence] before the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ],
- Philippians 1:4always offering every prayer of mine with joy [and with specific requests] for all of you,
- Colossians 1:9For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things],
- Colossians 2:1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen me face to face.
- Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, [pleading] that you may [as people of character and courage] stand firm, [spiritually mature] and fully assured in all the will of God.
Commentaries on Acts 6:4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 4We will give ourselves continually to prayer - , We will steadfastly and invariably attend, we will carefully keep our hearts to this work. The word is very emphatic. To prayer. - See this defined, Matthew 6:5; (note). Even apostles could not live without prayer; they had no independent graces; what they had could not be retained without an increase; and for this increase they must make prayer and supplication, depending continually on their God. Ministry…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 4But we will give ourselves continually - The original expression used here denotes “intense and persevering” application to a thing, or unwearied effort in it. See the notes on Acts 1:14. It means that the apostles designed to make this their constant and main object, undistracted by the cares of life, and even by attention to the temporal needs of the church. To prayer - Whether this means “private” or “public” prayer cannot be certainly determined. The…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 2-6The apostles showed wisdom by calling a meeting of all the Christians to resolve the dispute. They understood that the problem was very serious. They also knew their priority was teaching God's word. They decided to choose men who were wise and filled with the Holy Spirit to manage the food distribution. The community agreed with the plan the apostles proposed. They selected capable leaders from the Christians who spoke Greek (all of their names are…Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2-42-4. the multitude--the general body of the disciples. It is not reason--The word expresses dislike; that is "We cannot submit." to leave the word of God--to have our time and attention withdrawn from preaching; which, it thus appears, they regarded as their primary duty. to serve tables--oversee the distribution of provisions.Read the comment
Topics related to Acts 6:4
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Acts 6
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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