Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

ACTS 6:2KJV
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Acts 6:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 6:2 mean?

Acts 6:2 describes how the twelve apostles gathered all the disciples together and explained that it would not be right for them to stop teaching God’s word in order to take care of practical needs like serving food. The apostles are making clear that their main responsibility is sharing and teaching God’s message.

In this situation, the early Christian community was growing, and some practical problems had come up—specifically, the daily distribution of food was not being handled fairly. The apostles, as leaders, called everyone together to address the issue. They explained that their calling was to focus on spreading the word of God, so others would need to take on the important work of serving tables and managing daily needs.

The Greek behind Acts 6:2

  • λόγος (logos, transliterated as "logos") means "word," and here refers to the message or teaching about God. The apostles are emphasizing that their main work is to share this message.
  • διακονέω (diakoneō, transliterated as "diakoneō") is translated here as "serve" and often means to wait on or minister to others, especially in practical ways like serving food. This highlights the difference between spiritual teaching and practical service in the community.
  • τραπέζαις (trapezais, transliterated as "trapezais") means "tables," which in this context refers to the distribution of food or resources, not just literal tables. The apostles are not saying this work is unimportant, but that it is a different kind of service.

Why Acts 6:2 matters

  • Acts 6:2 helps clear up that the apostles were not looking down on practical service; instead, they were making sure that both spiritual teaching and practical needs were handled well by different people.
  • This verse shows the early church organizing itself to meet both spiritual and everyday needs, setting a pattern for shared leadership and different roles within the community.
  • Acts 6:2 connects directly to the following verses, where the community chooses seven people to take care of these practical tasks, allowing the apostles to focus on teaching.

Where else these words appear

“reason” Greek G701 · used in 4 verses

  • John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
  • Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
  • 1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

“tables” Greek G5132 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

“leave” Greek G2641 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Acts 25:14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.