Acts 6:2

Afrikaans 1983

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Acts chapter 6, the twelve apostles are speaking to a group of disciples. They say it is not right for them to stop preaching God's word just to manage practical matters like serving meals.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a lemonade stand and your friends help out. Your parents tell you that running the whole stand isn’t what they’re best at; their job is to teach others about making yummy lemonade, not handling all the cups and money. It's similar here - the apostles said they should focus on teaching God’s word instead of serving tables.

Historical Background

The book of Acts was written by Luke around AD 80 for a primarily Gentile audience. This passage reflects an early church setting where growing numbers required better organization, leading to the appointment of deacons.

Living It Out Today

Today, consider if you are spending your time on tasks that do not align with your main purpose or passion. For example, if you're passionate about teaching, ensure you aren't getting bogged down in administrative work that others could handle.

Topics

leadershipdeaconsprioritizationservicechurch organizationapostles

Related Verses

1 Timothy 5:17Acts 6:3-4Ephesians 4:11-12Luke 10:40-42John 9:4

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the apostles not want to leave the word of God?
The apostles believed that their primary responsibility was to preach and spread the message of God's word. They wanted to focus on this critical task rather than getting distracted by managing practical matters.
What does 'serve tables' mean in Acts 6:2?
'Serve tables' refers to handling administrative tasks, such as distributing food and ensuring the daily needs of the community were met. This was a critical but less spiritually focused duty.
Can you give an example of a similar situation today?
Today, church leaders might need to delegate responsibilities like managing finances or organizing events so they can focus on spiritual guidance and teaching the congregation.
How does this relate to modern organizational management in churches?
This passage highlights the importance of task delegation and prioritization. It suggests that church leaders should concentrate on their core mission, which is often spiritual leadership and teaching, rather than getting involved in all administrative tasks.
Compare Acts 6:2 across all translations →