Acts 6:4 Meaning: Steadfast Prayer and the Ministry of the Word
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.
and we to prayer, and to the ministration of the word, will give ourselves continually.'
but we will give ourselves up to prayer and the ministry of the word.
Meaning in one sentence
The apostles prioritized prayer and preaching to focus on their calling. Learn why serving tables was delegated, not demeaning, but a wise division of labor.
Context
The church in Jerusalem was growing fast. A complaint arose that Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. The twelve apostles gathered the believers and said it would not be right for them to abandon the word of God to wait on tables. So they instructed the whole congregation to choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to take charge of this task. Then the apostles would devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The plan pleased everyone, and they chose Stephen, Philip, and five others. After prayer and laying on of hands, the apostles set them apart for this work. The result was unity and continued growth.
Key Words
The key verb here is proskartereo, to be steadfastly attentive, to persist with endurance. Calvin said it means to be “fastened and tied” to something. The apostles were not giving prayer and preaching a casual slot; they were tethered to these tasks as their defining work. The same word appears in Acts 1:14 and 2:42, where the early believers “continued steadfastly” in prayer and teaching.
The word for “ministry” is diakonia, the same root from which we get “deacon.” It is the same word used earlier in the chapter for “serving tables.” So both practical care and preaching the word are described as service. The apostles were not saying one is more important; they were saying each person has a specific calling within God’s service.
And logos, “the word”, points to the divine message, the gospel itself. The apostles recognized that their primary job was to handle this message, to guard and proclaim it. That required focused, undistracted attention. Together these words paint a picture of wholehearted dedication to the specific tasks God gives, while honoring the different roles others fill.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian traditions agree on the division of labor here, though they draw different applications. Wesley and Clarke (Methodist) emphasize that even apostles had no independent grace, they needed prayer to sustain their preaching. Gill and Calvin (Reformed) read this as a model for pastors to be freed from worldly business so they can focus entirely on prayer and teaching. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) notes the historical authenticity of this account: an inventor would not have shown apostles stepping back. What unites all readings is the conviction that prayer and the ministry of the word are central to the church’s life, and that church structures should protect that focus.
A common misunderstanding
Some think the apostles considered serving tables beneath them, implying that practical service is less spiritual than prayer and preaching. In fact, the apostles saw both as diakonia (ministry). They simply recognized their own calling to a different focus. They created a system so that all needs, spiritual and physical, would be met well. It was not about status but about stewardship of their particular gift.
Living This Out
This week, ask yourself: What is God calling you to give your full attention to? If you lead in the church, are there tasks you could hand to others so you can focus on prayer and teaching? If your role is practical service, know that you are doing holy work. The apostles’ example invites us to respect different callings and to support one another so that every part of the body can function without distraction.
Main takeaway: The apostles teach us that different callings require different focus, and the work of prayer and teaching needs undistracted dedication, while practical service is no less holy.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The apostles had a big job teaching people about Jesus. They also had to make sure everyone got food. They chose helpers so they could spend more time praying and teaching. You can help too!
For ages 9, 12
The twelve apostles realized they couldn't do everything themselves. They appointed seven trustworthy men to take care of the practical needs so that the apostles could give their full attention to prayer and preaching God's word. This shows that different people have different roles in the church, and all are important. It also teaches us to focus on what God has called us to do.
Questions People Ask
Why did the apostles not want to serve tables?
They felt their primary calling was to prayer and teaching. Serving tables was important, but it would have distracted them from the ministry God had given them. So they arranged for others to handle it.
What does 'ministry of the word' mean?
It refers to preaching and teaching the gospel, sharing God's message with people. The apostles considered this one of their main responsibilities.
Were the seven chosen 'deacons'?
While the word 'deacon' comes from the Greek word diakonia used here, these seven are not explicitly called deacons in this passage. However, many Christians see this as the origin of the office of deacon.
What does 'continue steadfastly' mean in the original Greek?
The Greek word proskartereo means to be devoted to, to persist in something with endurance. It suggests a steadfast commitment, not a casual effort.
Does this verse mean that practical service is less spiritual than prayer?
Not at all. Both prayer and serving tables are described with the same word 'ministry' (diakonia). The apostles simply recognized their specific calling and created a structure so all needs could be met effectively.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study