Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

ACTS 6:3KJV
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Acts 6:3 (KJV)

What does Acts 6:3 mean?

Acts 6:3 describes how the early church leaders asked the community to choose seven men with a good reputation, who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to take responsibility for a specific practical task. This verse shows the importance of character and spiritual maturity in those given leadership roles, even for practical matters.

In this scene, the apostles are speaking to the wider group of believers in Jerusalem because some needs in the community were not being met fairly. The apostles wanted trustworthy people to oversee the daily distribution of food, so they instructed the group to select seven men who were respected, spiritually guided, and wise. This solution allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching while ensuring the community’s needs were handled well.

The Greek behind Acts 6:3

  • ἀνδράς (andras, "men"): This word specifically refers to adult males, emphasizing that the chosen individuals were to be mature men, which was the cultural expectation for such responsibilities at the time.
  • μαρτυρουμένους (marturoumenous, "of honest report"): This phrase means "well spoken of" or "having a good reputation." The Greek here stresses that the community’s trust was based on proven character, not just ability.
  • πλήρεις (plēreis, "full"): The word for "full" carries the idea of being completely filled or thoroughly characterized by something. Here, it highlights that these men were to be deeply guided by both the Holy Spirit and wisdom, not just possessing a little of each.
  • σοφίας (sophias, "wisdom"): The Greek term for "wisdom" points to practical understanding and good judgment, not just knowledge. This was essential for handling the community’s resources fairly.

Why Acts 6:3 matters

  • Acts 6:3 clarifies that spiritual maturity and good character were required even for practical service roles, not just for teaching or preaching.
  • This verse shows the early church’s commitment to shared leadership and involving the whole community in important decisions.
  • Acts 6:3 connects to the larger story by showing how the apostles balanced spiritual priorities with the community’s practical needs, setting a pattern for church organization.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G1980 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
  • Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

“full” Greek G4134 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 14:20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
  • Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
  • Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

“appoint” Greek G2525 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

“business” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.