But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

ACTS 6:4KJV
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Acts 6:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 6:4 mean?

Acts 6:4 describes how the apostles decided to focus their time and energy on prayer and teaching about Jesus, rather than handling practical needs in the early church. The verse shows their commitment to spiritual leadership and guiding the community through prayer and sharing the message.

In the setting of Acts 6, the apostles are speaking to the gathered believers in Jerusalem. Some members of the church were concerned about the fair distribution of food, so the apostles asked others to take on that responsibility. Acts 6:4 explains that the apostles saw their main role as leading in prayer and teaching, not managing daily tasks.

The Greek behind Acts 6:4

  • The word "continually" is from προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō), which often means to persist or devote oneself to something with strong focus. Here, it highlights the apostles’ steady, ongoing commitment to prayer and teaching.
  • "Prayer" comes from προσευχή (proseuchē), meaning communication with God. The use of this word emphasizes that prayer was not just a routine but a central, intentional part of their leadership.
  • "Ministry" is from διακονία (diakonia), which means service or serving others. In this context, it refers specifically to serving by teaching and sharing the message (the "word" or λόγος, logos), showing that teaching was seen as a form of service to the community.

Why Acts 6:4 matters

  • Acts 6:4 clarifies that spiritual leadership in the early church involved both prayer and teaching, not just organizational tasks.
  • The verse helps explain why the apostles delegated practical duties to others, showing that different roles were valued in the early Christian community.
  • This focus on prayer and the word connects to the larger theme in Acts of the church growing through both practical care and spiritual teaching.

Where else these words appear

“continually” Greek G4342 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
  • Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
  • Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

“ministry” Greek G1248 · used in 32 verses

  • 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.
  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

“prayer” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.