New King James Version
Acts 6:4
4but we will give ourselves continually 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 Living Translation (NLT)Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
Context of Acts 6:4
2Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
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 2:42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
- Acts 20:19serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;
- Romans 12:6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
- 1 Corinthians 9:16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
- Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
- 1 Timothy 4:13Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
- 2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
- Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- Acts 13:2As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
- Romans 1:9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,
- Ephesians 1:15Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
- Ephesians 3:14For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Philippians 1:4always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
- Colossians 1:9For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
- Colossians 2:1For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
- Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete 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
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries