Bible Strands
Acts 6:6
They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Jerusalem believers present the seven chosen men to the apostles immediately after the community approves the proposal to appoint servants for daily distribution.
The words — προσευξάμενοι (proseuxamenoi) means having prayed, and ἐπέθηκαν (epethēkan) denotes they laid, describing the apostles' sequential physical and spiritual actions over the seven.
The thread — This commissioning pattern echoes the presentation of Levites in Numbers 8:10, the gift imparted through Paul's laying on of hands in 2 Timothy 1:6, and the prayerful selection process in Acts 1:24.
Why it lands — The text records the apostles praying and laying hands on the seven before they begin service; this requires readers to recognize that authorized ministry flows through communal selection, apostolic prayer, and physical commissioning rather than independent appointment.
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
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Cross-references
- Numbers 8:10 You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
- Acts 1:24 And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen
- Acts 8:17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.
- Acts 9:17 So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
- Acts 13:3 And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
- 1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
- Hebrews 6:2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.