Interpretation of Acts 6:4 Regarding Ministry and Prayer
Acts 6:4 states, "and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (BSB) [1]. This declaration is made by the apostles in response to a growing administrative challenge within the early Christian community in Jerusalem. The Hellenistic Jews were complaining that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food [1].
The broader context of Acts 6 describes a moment of significant growth and organizational development for the nascent church. As the number of disciples increased, practical issues arose that threatened the unity and mission of the community [1]. The apostles recognized that addressing these logistical concerns, while important, would divert them from their primary responsibilities. Therefore, they proposed the selection of seven men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" to oversee the daily distribution, thereby freeing the apostles to focus on their distinct calling [1].
The phrase "devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" highlights the apostles' understanding of their core functions. The Greek term for "devote ourselves" (προσκαρτερήσομεν, proskarterēsomen) implies a steadfast and continuous application to these tasks [1]. John Gill notes that this devotion to prayer includes private prayer for themselves and the church, as well as public prayer in gatherings [6]. Similarly, the "ministry of the word" refers to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel [6]. These two activities, prayer and preaching, are presented as the principal employment of a Gospel minister [6].
The emphasis on prayer is significant. Prayer is considered an absolute prerequisite for preaching and should always be joined with it [6]. The apostles' commitment to prayer aligns with broader biblical themes where ministers are called by God, qualified by God, and sent by the Holy Spirit [2]. Their authority is for edification and they are entrusted with the gospel [2]. The Lord's Prayer, for instance, serves as a model of simplicity and a succinct expression of faith, emphasizing addressing God as Father [4]. The importance of prayer is also seen in calls to "call on the Lord" with pure hearts [5].
The "ministry of the word" underscores the apostles' role as communicators of divine truth. This involves proclaiming the message of Christ, a task they were commissioned for [2, 3]. The early church saw the Holy Spirit directing missionary work and calling individuals to this ministry [3]. The apostles' decision to delegate administrative tasks allowed them to maintain their focus on this essential function, ensuring that the spiritual nourishment of the community through teaching and prayer remained central [1].
This passage has been influential in shaping understandings of ministerial roles within Christian traditions. It suggests a division of labor where certain individuals are specifically set apart for spiritual leadership, focusing on prayer and the proclamation of God's word, while others are appointed to address practical needs within the community [1]. This distinction is not meant to diminish the importance of practical service but rather to ensure that both spiritual and practical aspects of church life are adequately addressed by those best suited for them. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary emphasizes that "public prayer" along with preaching constitutes their "great work" [7].
Sources
- Acts “Acts 6:4 (BSB) — and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Ministers — Called by God -- Ex 28:1; Heb 5:4. Qualified by God -- Isa 6:5-7; 2Co 3:5,6. Commissioned by Christ -- Mt 28:19. Sent by the Holy Spirit -- Ac 13:2,4. Have authority from God -- 2Co 10:8; 13:10. Authority of, is for edification -- 2Co 10:8; 13:10. Separated to the gospel -- Ro 1:1. Entrusted with the gospel -- 1Th 2:4. Described as Ambassadors for Christ. -- 2Co 5:20. Ministers of Christ. -- 1Co 4:1. Stewards of the mysteries of God. -- 1Co 4:1. Defenders of the faith. -- Php 1:7. The servants of Christ's people. -- 2Co 4:5. Specially protected by God -- ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionary Work By Ministers — Commanded -- Mt 28:19; Mr 16:15. Warranted by predictions concerning the heathen, &c -- Isa 42:10-12; 66:19. Is according to the purpose of God -- Lu 24:46,47; Ga 1:15,16; Col 1:25-27. Directed by the Holy Spirit -- Ac 13:2. Required -- Lu 10:2; Ro 10:14,15. The Holy Spirit calls to -- Ac 13:2. Christ engaged in -- Mt 4:17,23; 11:1; Mr 1:38,39; Lu 8:1. Christ sent his disciples to labour in -- Mr 3:14; 6:7; Lu 10:1-11. Obligations to engage in -- Ac 4:19,20; Ro 1:13-15; 1Co 9:16. Excellency of -- Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15. Worldly concerns sho”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 2:22: 2:22 those who call on the Lord: Cp. Ps 99:6; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; 9:14, 21; 22:16; Rom 10:12-13; 1 Cor 1:2. • with pure hearts: Cp. 1 Tim 1:5.”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 6:4: But we will give ourselves continually to prayer,.... Both in private for themselves, and the church; and in the houses and families of the saints, with the sick and distressed;. and in public, in the temple, or in whatsoever place they met for public worship: and to the ministry of the word; the preaching of the Gospel, to which prayer is absolutely prerequisite, and with which it is always to be joined. These two, prayer and preaching, are the principal employment of a Gospel minister, and are what he ought to be concerned in, not only now and then, but what he shoul”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 6:4: we will give ourselves to prayer--public prayer, as along with preaching their great work.”