Bible Strands
Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Twelve apostles address the full assembly of disciples, proposing a structural adjustment to resolve the complaint that Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in daily distribution.
The words — The verb ἐπισκέψασθε (episkepsasthe) literally means "do select" or "appoint," directing the community to choose seven men μαρτυρουμένους (marturoumenous), "being well attested" or "confirmed," to carry this duty.
The thread — This selection pattern echoes Deuteronomy 1:13, where leaders are chosen for wisdom and respect, and anticipates the character qualifications later detailed in 1 Timothy 3:7 and James 3:17.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that both spiritual oversight and practical service demand proven character and divine wisdom, not merely administrative efficiency or good intentions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 3:7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- Deuteronomy 1:13 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- Numbers 27:18 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.
- 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.
- Acts 13:2 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.”
- Genesis 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
- Numbers 11:16 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.
- 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.
- Job 32:7 I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.