Bible Strands
Acts 6:4
and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The apostles address the Jerusalem congregation immediately after the community selects seven Spirit-filled men to handle daily food distribution. They announce their own commitment to specific duties while delegating administrative responsibilities.
The words — ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) translates literally as "we ourselves," emphasizing personal dedication to προσευχή (proseuchē), or "prayer," and διακονία (diakonia), or "ministry," of the word.
The thread — This structural division of spiritual and administrative labor appears in Acts 1:14, where the early believers maintain unified prayer, and in 1 Timothy 4:13, which commands devotion to public Scripture reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Why it lands — The text states that prayer and the ministry of the word take precedence over logistical management. It requires readers to recognize and support designated leadership roles that sustain the community's spiritual foundation.
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
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Cross-references
- Acts 1:14 With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
- Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
- Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
- 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.”
- Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
- Ephesians 3:14 ... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
- Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.