Acts 6:6 Meaning: Congregation's Choice and Apostolic Commission
whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
whom they did set before the apostles, and they, having prayed, laid on them their hands.
whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Meaning in one sentence
What does Acts 6:6 mean? The apostles prayed and laid hands on the seven chosen by the church, showing ordination as both human selection and divine blessing.
Context
The early church was growing fast, and with growth came friction. Greek-speaking widows felt overlooked in the daily food distribution, so the apostles called the whole church together. They asked the community to pick seven men known for honesty, wisdom, and the Spirit's fullness. The church chose Stephen, Philip, and five others, and brought them to the apostles. At that moment prayer and the laying on of hands sealed the appointment. This was not a meeting chore to check off. It was the church saying, "We see God's work in these people and give them our trust," and the apostles saying, "We commit them to God and His service." The result came quickly: the word of God spread, disciples multiplied, and even many priests believed.
Key Words
Two actions carry the weight of this verse: prayer and the laying on of hands. The Greek word for 'prayed' is proseuchomai, the same word used throughout Acts when the church turned to God for direction and power. It is more than a request; it is dependence expressed aloud. The apostles did not commission these seven on their own authority. They stopped to pray, placing the whole matter in God's hands.
The phrase 'laid their hands on them' combines the verb epitithēmi (to put or place upon) with cheiras (hands). In the Old Testament, hands were laid on sacrifices to identify the offering and on people set apart for service (Numbers 8:10). Here it works the same way: a visible sign that these men were being set aside for a holy task. The apostles offered them to God while the people watched. Prayer made it real; the hands made it visible. Neither stood alone.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that this verse shows an important pattern. Reformed commentators like Calvin stress that the laying on of hands has no power by itself; the effect comes from the Spirit, and prayer is essential to keep the ceremony from being empty. Methodist writers, following Adam Clarke, note that the church's choice was not enough on its own. The apostles completed that choice by prayer and imposition of hands. Baptist expositors like John Gill point to Jewish ordination customs as the background. Anglican scholars observe that this passage became the foundation for later ordination rites. All see the same truth: human selection and divine blessing both matter, and the church needs both.
A common misunderstanding
Some assume the apostles alone chose the seven and the congregation had no real part. In fact, the church did the selecting (verse 5) and presented the men to the apostles. The apostles then prayed and laid on hands to confirm and bless that choice. Neither group acted alone; the people chose, and the leaders commissioned. The moment was a partnership, not a takeover.
Living This Out
If you serve your church in any way this week, remember that your job is not merely practical. Whether you set up chairs, prepare meals, or teach children, the same Spirit who equipped the seven works through you. When you see new leaders being asked to serve, pray for them. Ask God to give them wisdom and strength. If your tradition includes a laying on of hands, let that moment remind you that God is placing His hand on that person too. Even small acts of service become holy when they are surrounded by prayer and offered to God.
Main takeaway: The early church chose its servants; the apostles sealed that choice with prayer and the laying on of hands, joining human wisdom to God's blessing.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The church needed helpers to take care of people. The helpers were chosen, and the apostles prayed and put their hands on them. That was how God said, “I am with you in this work.”
For ages 9, 12
In Acts 6, the church had grown so big that the apostles couldn’t do everything themselves. Some widows were not getting their share of food, so the whole church chose seven good men to make things fair. The apostles didn’t just say, “Start working.” They prayed over these men and laid their hands on them, showing that even practical jobs like serving food are part of God’s mission. When church leaders are set apart today, we still pray for them and ask God to help them.
Questions People Ask
Why did the apostles pray before laying hands on the seven?
Prayer was essential because they were asking God to bless and equip these men for their work. The laying on of hands without prayer would have been an empty ceremony, as Calvin noted. Prayer acknowledges that the power and gifts come from God alone.
Did the congregation choose the deacons or the apostles in Acts 6?
The congregation chose the seven men (v.5) and set them before the apostles. The apostles then prayed and laid hands on them. So the selection was by the whole church, but the commissioning and blessing came through the apostles. Both the people and the leaders had a part.
What does the laying on of hands symbolize in Acts 6:6?
It symbolizes identification and commissioning. In the Old Testament, hands were laid on sacrifices and on people set apart for service. Here, it signifies the apostles' endorsement and the communication of God's blessing. It is not a magical transfer of power but a visible sign of the church's prayer for the Holy Spirit's work in these servants.
Is Acts 6:6 the first ordination of deacons?
Christians have traditionally seen this as the institution of the office of deacon. Though the word 'deacon' is not used in this verse, the seven are set apart to serve tables, which is a form of practical ministry. The pattern of prayer and laying on of hands became the model for ordaining deacons and other leaders in the church.
What was the 'daily ministration' that caused the conflict in Acts 6?
The daily distribution of food and money to widows in the church. The Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish widows felt neglected compared to the Hebraic widows. This led to the creation of the seven to oversee the distribution, so the apostles could focus on prayer and preaching.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study